Wells 18

Tor 8

One of the strengths of the current Wells team has been its ability to make do and amend.

Injuries, illnesses, world travellers and even the odd suspension have caused disruptions, but coach Paul Cox has been able to dig up some up-and-coming youngsters who have stepped up to the mark.

Unusually on Saturday it was a veteran, Steve Hole, who stepped into the breach at centre to make a rare start. Wells also welcomed back ex-Tor player Trigger McNab and, after his travels, Richard Dunn appeared again at full-back.

Maybe, however, it was somewhat fitting in this local derby between two clubs separated by just five miles that it was two of the virtual ever-presents who sealed Wells' victory over their arch rivals.

Early exchanges had been fairly even, the only incident of any note being the sin-binning of McNab, but such is the Wells defence that they survived this 10-minute spell without conceding a point.

Indeed, it looked likely that the first half would pass without a score before Ben Knight finished off a sweeping move created by lightning-quick ball from the forwards.

From a Wells point of view, better was to follow and on the stroke of half-time, Aaron Cook sidestepped, swerved and dummied his way through a myriad of Tor defenders to score under the posts. He converted the try to give the home side a 12-point advantage.

In the second half, Tor – now playing down the slope – meant business.

Captain Ashley Lester's long throws to the back of the lineout gave their backs the room to move the ball but, like many teams before them this season, they found the Wells defence determined and organised.

A penalty early in the half gave some hope, but Wells regained control. Two Cook penalties gave the home team an unassailable lead although at the death Tor did get reward for their endeavours with a well-taken try.

So, it is bragging rights to Wells with the double over their neighbours. The win keeps them fifth in the league table, still with a chance of a play-off spot.