Wellington continued their preparations for the new season with a round robin warm up against Taunton Titans and North Petherton at Hyde Park.
Playing against a team that are four leagues above them for the opening forty minutes Wellington were competitive up front but found it hard to contain the swift and powerful Taunton backs, who ran in several tries.
Wellington scored a nice try of their own when debutant, Jack Woodland caught a line out on the Taunton 22. Wellington drove the line out and mauled their way over to score.
Flanker Woodland, looked useful all afternoon and should be an asset with his high work rate and tackle count. Also coming off the bench Ben Price on debut looked good, but overall Taunton’s physicality and pace proved too much for Wellington.
The second period was between Taunton and North Petherton and once again Taunton were too strong Pethy’s tackling was better than Wellington’s had been and defensive alignment out behind is something Wellington will have to look at.
The third period was a more even affair although Pethy did find Wellingtons defence worryingly easy to penetrate. The pack once again were more competitive and were rewarded with a penalty try when Pethy collapsed a scrum as Welly were about to go over.
Wellington gave game time to a lot of players which is good and when more players return from holidays and other commitments they should look a much more cohesive unit.
Friday night see Minehead visit the Athletic ground as preparations continue for this season. Please come down and support the lads and enjoy a pint.