28th April 2002

Another End of Season Classic

Wyvern President Mick Halligan pulled together a strong team to face a Wyvern team playing it's last game of the current season. A large crowd, the local black Labrador owners club, and even a troop of rah-rah girls were at Mountfields road to enjoy the match.

Wyvern started the stronger and scored to early try's. They could of had more points on the board had it not been for strong tackling from the Presidents backs and the Wyverns Captain proving that he is becoming an expert at crossing the try line, but being unable to ground the ball once he has achieved it.

Brendon Andrews started the game at No.8 and ended at fullback for Wyvern and proved that some out of season catching practice is required.

In the second half Wyvern resorted to kicking away possession in order to keep the rampant Presidents side pinned in their own half. A final score of 24 - 17 to Wyvern was a fair result. With thanks to those who turned out to make the game possible. For more information visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk

14th April 2002

Taunton Bring Club Side to Wyvern

Taunton Wanderers visited Wyverns Mountfield Road ground on Sunday bringing a strong team, whilst the Wyvern captain had the unusual problem of a large squad to choose from. Some of the Wyvern team who had let the team down the previous week paid the price and found themselves on the bench for the entire game.

In ideal rugby conditions a feisty game followed and Wyvern were 12 points up in the first quarter, Taunton replied just before half time to make the score 12 - 7 at the break. In the second half Taunton applied constant pressure but a fine defensive display from Wyvern kept Taunton out for most of the time, but Taunton still managed to run in two try's without reply to end up winners by 17 points to 12.

Next Sunday Wyvern visit Bridgwater for their last away fixture of the season. For more information visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk

7th April 2002

Last one please turn the light out!

Wyvern brought Spaxton's first season to a close last Sunday, having been the side which started their first fixture 4 months previously. It seemed as if the whole of Spaxton had come to loudly cheer on their team in what was to be closely contested match, finishing in a 21-21 draw.

Wyvern used the strong wind to keep Spaxton in their own half and two penalties from fullback, Martin Howe, gave Wyvern the early lead. But Spaxton's strong pack drove them up the field and eventually brought them a well deserved converted try and the lead.

Wyvern continued to use the elements to their advantage and, once within striking distance, were able to score through hooker Jason Bailey. But this slender lead was negated as soon as the second half began when Wyvern over-complicated a passing move from the kick-off and fumbled the ball, allowing Spaxton to take the initiative and score a converted try.

Wyvern were now against the gusting wind and ran much of the ball from defence, rather than use the kick. This gained ground and, following good ball from the forwards, allowed fly half Phil Ferris to chip through a perfect ball for centre Warren Lewis to chase down and score. Howe converted.

Moments later Howe was on hand  to extend the lead still further with another successful penalty. However, the Wyvern lead was short lived as another dreadful mess from the kick off allowed the Spaxton back row to kick ahead and gain the first touch in the race for the ball over the line. Converted again this brought the scores level and was to be the final score.

The excellent refereeing of Arthur Moore allowed the game to flow and his final whistle provided a fair result to what had been a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Wyvern welcome Taunton Wanderers to Mountfields Road next week, kicking off at 11.00 am. For more details, visit their website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

24th February 2002

Mud Improves Wyvern Complexion

On a pitch which was better suited to mud wrestling, Wyvern and Wiveliscombe slopped through the extremely difficult conditions to produce a not unreasonable game of rugby for the gathered few. The final result of 39-17 in favour of the Wyvern was slightly flattering, though the win was deserved.

The first half was all Wyvern with Wivy unable to clear their own half. Each time they kicked for ground Wyvern fullback, Martin Howe, was there to gather up the ball and begin the counter attack. Driving runs from forwards Eddie Cullen, Mark Farrell and John Atkins provided good ball for the backs, with incisive runs coming from Warren Lewis and Jim Morris.

Though 4 tries to the good in the first half, from Farrel, Cullen, Lewis and Callum Ramsay, Wyvern allowed Wivy to finish their only foray into the visitors half with try.

The second half began with a try from the kick off for the home side. Another Wiveliscombe try suggested the tempo of the game had changed. However, Wyvern found their momentum again and scored three tries through Farrel, Lewis and Geof Hamlyn, to finish up the game clear winners.

Wyvern can expect a more rugged encounter next week against the old heads of North Petherton Veterans. The match kicks off at Mountfields Road at 11.00 AM.

10th February 2002

Rugby Lesson Given by Police

Wyvern Rugby Club played Somerset West Police last week, making a trip to Bridgwater they wish they hadn't made.

A Police score from the initial kick off, in less than 20 seconds, set the tone for the game. Wyvern Captain, Welshman Dean Tindall, must have thought he was reliving the nightmare of the previous weekend as he watched his side cave in to a 63-10 thrashing, the worst result of the season.

The Wyvern pack held their own in the set piece, but in every other area of the game the Police were dominant. The Wyvern showed no consistancy and lacked committment in the second and third phases of play. All in all it is a performance the side will want to forget very quickly.

The only bright spot for the Wyvern was a rolling phase of play which saw flanker Jon Wren score the only Wyvern try. This was converted by Martin Howe who had kicked a penalty in the first half.

Wyvern visit Taunton Rugby Club next week for a first ever fixture against their Veterans. Kick off is 11.00 am at Hyde Lane. Visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk for more information.

20th January 2002

Minehead Stuck in the Mud

Wyvern entertained an experienced Minehead team this week at a wet and muddy Mountfield Road hoping to avenge the heavy defeat at Minehead at the beginning of the season. The Wyvern team outplayed their visitors in every department and ran in an impressive total of nine try's without reply to end up winners by 59 points to nil.

Darryl Gardner, playing out of position at blindside flanker, put in an outstanding display of attacking rugby and kept the ball alive at the break down of play on numerous occasions. This enabled Jason Squire, playing at scrum half, to keep the backs supplied with good quality ball. At the end of the first half Wyvern had already ran in four superb try's and were 21 points up. The only negative being the loss of Wyverns inspirational captain, Tinny Tindall, through injury. (broken nail)

The second half saw prop Eddie Cullen continually batter the Minehead defence and set up ball for the backs as well as powering over the line for a well deserved try of his own. A welcome return to the team with a guest appearance from Jim Duncan, saw him diving over for a try in the second half. There were also try's for Mark Farrell, Justin Bennett, and Jim Morris to round off a memorable and moral boosting performance from the Wyvern team. Fullback Martin Howe converted 7 of the 9 try's, with one memorable miss seeing his effort from under the posts go underneath the bar. 

Next Sunday Wyvern visit Taunton at Hyde Lane. (K.O.11.00) for more information visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk

16th December 2001

Bridgwater Beaten in the Cold

Bridgwater veterans visited Wyverns Mountfield Road ground this Sunday. Wyvern put in an outstanding display, running in 4 try's to Bridgwater's 1 to win by 22 points to 5. 

The first half saw a fairly even game, Warren Lewis scoring a fine individual try matched by the one Bridgwater try of the match.

The second half saw the Wyvern team working as one, the front eight winning good possession, the half backs linking the forwards and backs and the ball then be passed out to the wingers, Martin Riley and Captain Tindall, who used their power and pace to claim a try apiece. Scrum half Phil Ferris also claimed a try. Martin Howe scored the conversion.

Darrell Gardner and Geoff Flowers both had superb games putting in big tackles throughout the match. Jock Maxwell also had an outstanding game, being welcomed back after a short break.

Wyverns next fixture is on Sunday 30th December when Somerset Fire Brigade visit Mountfield Road for their annual rugby lesson. Kick off 11.00.

18th November 2001

Topped by Taunton Again

Wyvern visited Taunton's impressive new ground at Hyde Lane this week, and were greeted by an impressive display of running rugby from the Taunton Wanderers. Taunton ran in 5 try's to win by 27 points to nil.

The game started evenly with some good tackling from the Wyvern pack, although the heavier Taunton 8 pushed the opposition off their own ball on numerous occasions. Towards the end of the first half Taunton scored two try's, the first seeing the ball spread out wide for the winger to sprint to the corner and the second, a forwards move, straight through the middle of the Wyvern team to score under the posts.

The second half saw constant pressure from the Wanderers, and although the Wyvern team kept putting in the tackles they could not stop the rampaging Wanderers running in three more try's, the last seeing the referee awarding a Wyvern penalty deep in the Wanderers 22, however Wyverns captain for the day, Brendon Andrews, saw his chance for glory and took the quick penalty and chipped the ball straight to the opposition scrum half who thanked him very much and sprinted the length of the pitch and the Wanderers scored under the posts.

Next Sunday Axminster visit Mountfields Road K.O. 11.00. For more information visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk

11th November 2001

All Wyvern, but Wellington Win

A fit and skilful Wellington side visited Mountfield road last Sunday and outscored the Wyvern team by 4 tries to 1 to win by 28 points to 5.

At the end of the first half Wellington were ahead by 21 points to nil. The score didn't reflect the hard work put in by the Wyvern team, who played well, but 'silly mistakes' - (quote from the team captain) prevented them putting any points on the board. Wellington scored one of their try's through Mark Farrell, normally seen at Wyvern's ground in the red of the home team. 

In the second half, Wyvern's Martin Howe was again on the score sheet with a superb individual try. Having taken a high ball on the half way line, he sprinted pass most of the Wellington team to score in the corner. (however, it was suggested by members of the crowd that he was running on fear!)

In the last minute of the game Wyvern player Steve Holden suffered two broken ribs and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Next week Wyvern visit Taunton Wanderers.

4th November 2001

Simon Hogg Weaves for Wivy

Wyvern welcomed Wiveliscombe to Mountfields road this Sunday. Wiviliscombe played some slick moves, and showed the advantage of working on set pieces on the training ground. They ran in 5 try's to a solitary score from Wyvern centre Warren Lewis to win by 31 points to 13.

The game was evenly matched in the first half, and looked like it could of gone either way. Wyvern had most of the possession but only put 6 points on the board from 2 penalties from Martin Howe. This was matched by a flowing move from the Wivey backs to score an unconverted try in the corner.

In the second half the Wiviliscombe forwards took control and set the ball up for the backs to run in 4 further try's, which was only matched by 1 from Wyvern.

A correction to last weeks report, Wyverns prop would like it be known that his surname is Westwood, not West as stated. (probably better just to stick to Westy.)

Next week Wellington visit Mounfields road. KO 11.00. 

28th October 2001

Big Tackles Topple North Petherton

Wyvern rugby club traveled to North Petherton this week to take on their veterans. A fine game followed resulting in Wyvern scoring a try in each half to win by 14 points to 0.

Two new players turned out for Wyvern this week, Geoff Flowers and Steve Holden, they both proved their worth putting in superb performances in the forwards inspiring the pack to put in some big tackles to stop the big Petherton pack breaking through the Wyvern defence.

Also playing in the pack this week was Andy Humphries, showing that there is no substitute for experience, although in the last seconds of the game he found himself with a clean run to the line, unfortunately he was still in his own 22 and decided a kick for touch was probably the best option!

Another superb performance from Wyverns Aussie scrum half Jason Squire was topped by yet another individual try in the first half. 

In the second half, following a charge down under the Petherton posts by the agile and mobile prop Paul West, Warren Lewis reacted the quickest of the two and stole Westy's moment of glory to score Wyverns second try.
Martin Howe slotted both conversions.

Next week Wyvern return from their travels for the first home fixture since the middle of September to take on Wiveliscombe. The annual Wyvern Easter tour has also now also been organised, so next week bring your cheque books.

For more information contact www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

14th October 2001

Wyvern End Losing Streak

Wyvern travelled to Bridgwater on Sunday morning to take on the Blake Bears sporting a full team including a guest appearance from the veteran blind side flanker Chris Greenslade. A close game followed resulting in Wyvern breaking their losing streak running in three tries to the Bears one to win by 19 points to 7.

A few more points would of been scored had it not been for some controversial refereeing decisions, and some dodgy passing from second row Dougie James. Although any passing from Dougie is a rarity.

The Bears played most of the first half in the visitors half, but could not convert pressure into points and the first half ended nil, nil.

In the second half the Wyvern team began to take charge and set the ball up for the backs. A brace of tries from Wyverns scrum half Jason Squire and another thumping run from wing Justin Bennett was only matched by a late try from the Bears.

Wyverns next game is away to North Petherton Veterans on 25th November. 

7th October 2001

Sporting Match at Butleigh

Once again Wyvern had to be lent players after only managing to gather 11 players for the trip to Butleigh. The game was played in the normal sporting sprit of Sunday morning rugby that Butleigh Amateurs exploits so well and always produces excellent social rugby. The home team running in four tries to Wyverns three to win 24 points to 17.

Wyvern started brightly with a 60m sprint from flanker Phil Murphy to score in the first five minutes, which stunned the Wyvern team as nobody knew he could run, let alone sprint that far. Butleighs extra players and weight eventually told, although the Wyvern pack were never outplayed or pushed back. A fine individual effort from Martin Howe and a typical crashing prop forwards try from Clem Woodward kept Wyvern in the game but it wasn't quite enough to break Wyverns losing streak.

Next week Wyvern travel to Bridgwater to take on the Blake Bears. For further information contact www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

30th September 2001

Sporting Somerton help Wyvern

Wyvern took a much depleted side to Somerton, who sportingly lent them a number of players in order to make a game of it.

The Wyvern team defended well throughout the game and did well to keep the score to 32 points to 7. Wyverns try coming from Justin Bennett and converted by Martin Howe.

Wyvern also managed to get only their second ever sin-binning when one of the home players playing for Wyvern was given 10 minutes rest for dissent. 

Hopefully the team captain will not have to resort to dragging players from their sickbed to make up the numbers for next weeks away game at Butleigh.

For more information visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk

16th September 2001

Somerset Police Power Past Wyvern.

This week saw the visit of Somerset Police to the Wyvern club at Mountfield Road. And despite a spirited defensive display by Wyvern, the Police ran in 5 tries to Wyverns 3 to win 36 - 17.

In a traditionally feisty match the Police used their big forwards to continually batter the Wyvern defence, and although the Wyvern team put in some big tackles, the Police superior weight told in the second half. Tries from Lipscomb, Nurcombe, Allder (2) and Connolly sealed their win.

A fine display from Wyvern flanker Mark Farrell kept Wyvern in the game with one try and one break to set up a Phil Ferris try under the posts. A second half try from full back Rob Lewis insured a respectable score line. 

Next week Wyvern have their first away game of the season at Minehead. (K.O. 11.00) For more information visit http://www.wyvernrfc.co.uk 

9th September 2001

Wyvern given rugby lesson

Following last weekends promising start to the season, Wyvern were on the receiving end of a thumping from the visiting Taunton Wanderers. Taunton outplayed Wyvern in every department, running in 7 tries to win 43 - 0. 

Wyvern were unable to secure good ball from the line-outs or scrums whilst Taunton's big pack set the ball up time and again for their backs to run at the Wyvern team.

The only chance of the game for Wyvern fell to Captain Tindall, following a good break from prop Eric Cullen, all that was required was a run in to the Taunton try line, unfortunately the Wyvern Captain got over excited and forgot to take the ball with him!

The only bright spot of the game for Wyvern was the outstanding performance by number 8 Brendon Andrews who proved once again that he is the star player of the team!!

Next week sees the visit of Somerset West Police, (11.00 kick off) which will hopefully see a much improved performance.

For more information visit www.wyvernrfrc.co.uk

2nd September 2001

Welcome return for Captain Tindall

Following a long lay off through injury Wyvern RFC Captain, Dean Tindall, returned for the first match of the new season with a brace of tries to help Wyvern to a convincing win over a depleted Blake Bears side 31- 7 on Sunday.

Tries from Jim Morris, Jason Bailey and Dougie James were matched by a solitary try from Eddie Cullen, lent to the Bears to make up their front row. Jim Morris converting 3 of the tries.

Wyverns powerful forwards continually set up good ball for the backs, who should of put more points on the board.

Next Sunday sees Taunton Wanderers visit Wyvern (Kick off 11.00). 

For more details visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.