Wisbech go down fighting at league champions Wymondham in final Eastern Counties fixture

An emphatic win the week before for Wisbech was tarnished and undone by injury troubles and unavailability that led to a difficult 63-24 loss away to Wymondham on Saturday.

The score did not reflect the match, traveling with only 14 players, the Men in Red showed grit and determination to push the league champions right to the end.

Despite scoring four tries and putting the champions on the back foot for large periods of the game, the one-man-less disadvantage was always going to be too big a ask against a quality side such as Wymondham.

Full-back Freddie Napier rolling back the years. Picture: Andy Titmuss

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: "All credit to Wymondham, their clinical accuracy showed why they are league champions and we wish them all the best with their league promotion next season.

“A couple of our players running onto the pitch today carrying an injury and starting with only 14 on the pitch, the commitment and determination on display was a true reflection of what Wisbech rugby is about and arguably the best back to the wall, gutsy and brave performance from a Wisbech team I can remember, and for that, they deservedly can take a bow.

"It has been a frustrating season for us with unfortunate injuries but more so the unavailability, in particular with the away games has cost us dearly and it is just not good enough.

“As a club, we are better than this and set ourselves high standards, which we are not achieving at this stage, the players must take responsibility and something we have to address together.

“We acknowledge the disappointment amongst our supporters as we are hurting just as much as everyone else who loves this club.

“Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for sticking with us during these difficult times and season, in particular those special ones who make the away journeys to cheer us on.

"Rest assured, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure our continued success and we look forward to next season in particular to our two close local derbies.”

Wisbech had established early dominance putting the host under pressure but where enable to capitalise on it.

It took 13 minutes for the first score, when Wymondham rounded off a strong attacking move for the home side to take a 7-0 lead.

Minutes later Wymondham scored another try as Wisbech, now under pressure, were coming to terms with playing a man down.

Wisbech responded positively, a trademark of this side all season, and after a series of carries, they were awarded a try through Alfie Anderson with Albi Malkin adding the conversion, the score now 14-7 to the host.

The Wymondham numerical advantage started to dominate, sealing their bonus point ahead of the interval to give the hosts a comfortable 34-7 lead going into the half-time break.

Wymondham started the second half strongly, scoring two quick converted tries within five minutes.

But the Men in Reds’ spirits were not dampened as their makeshift pack a man down went toe to toe with the host which saw second-row MJ Wright scoring the first of his two tries.

But with Wisbech a man down, it started to take its toll as Wymondham capitalised clinically to build their lead.

Lawson Humphreys, who had left work to answer the team's SOS, joined the match giving Wisbech a full complement of 15 on the pitch.

The additional man proved a welcome injection as Men in Red showed tremendous spirit and determination which saw them battle until the end.

MJ Wright who was having a fine game scoring his second try epitomised this, as the Wisbech scored a third try.

Wymondham would score again but Wisbech gave it to the last, Freddie Napier finishing a fantastic backs attack to score in the dying embers of the game and against all odds earning Wisbech a four-try bonus point, the match ending 63-24.

The man-of-the-match award rightly went to the whole team for a brave and no-surrender performance.

Alfie Anderson grounding the ball over the white wash for Wisbech's opening try
Prop Kerrie McMullet on the charge
Wisbech minutes before kick-off. Picture: Andy Titmuss
Kai Wessels and Freddie Napier celebrating a fantastic backs attack. Picture: Andy Titmuss
Luca Hardy with a try-saving tackle. Picture: Andy Lister
Soloman Prestidge was a force in the lineouts. Picture: Andy Lister.

Next up, Wisbech welcomes Regional 2 East Midlands side Peterborough Lions to Harecroft Road for an RFU cup match (2.30pm).