Wiveliscombe Hakes' Latest Opponent

St Ives v Wiveliscombe KO 3:00pm Saturday 16th September

St Ives entertain Wiveliscombe tomorrow Saturday 16th September, the only opponents in the Western West league from Somerset. Famous for its brewery the club was begun as far back as 1872, largely through the efforts of the Hancock family who owned the brewery. Indeed, seven of the ten Hancock sons played rugby for Somerset. One, Frank, captained Wales in 1886 and had 24 caps. In 2011 he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Most likely a reason for this is his adoption of the idea of having four three quarter backs in the side. Another, Phillip, played for England.

Coming into the 21st century the Wiveliscombe history for many years was within Somerset Premier or Somerset One. In 2016-17 they were 3rd in the Somerset Premier, followed up with losing in the play off against Gloucester team Barton Hill as runners up, finally to gain promotion into the Western Counties West in 2018-19 as champions. Last year they finished 6th in the Counties 1 Western West league.

This could be the visitor’s first time at St Ives and is certainly the farthest they have to travel. They come to play The Hakes with a home loss against Paignton and an away loss against Kingsbridge. This should be a game that St Ives will have (in theory) as a win if they are to fair well throughout the season.

St Ives field two new faces in the front row; Scott Whitehead at prop and Joel Stevens at hooker. Mark Sherris takes the role of scrum half while Thirlby and Harris move out at flyhalf and centre. Tom Scanlon and Brodie Lees are in the squad for the first time this season.