SOUTH American flair came to the Fens this week as hockey and rugby stars from Wisbech Grammar School took on a 77-strong Argentinian touring side.

Students from St Andrew’s School, Buenos Aires, kicked off their three-week tour of Britain and the Netherlands with a floodlit rugby match and two hockey fixtures.

In the rugby, which was played at Peterborough, the Argentinians fielded two different sides in each half to use their full squad.

Wisbech captain Matthew Retchless scored in a 29-5 defeat in the first half, while tries from Jonathan Ison and Joshua Widdowson, as well as two conversions from Patrick Webb, helped them take the second period 14-5.

The grammar school’s hockey first team came up against a powerful side that included 17-year-old Roberta Worthsin, who represented Argentina Lions in the Champions Cup and narrowly missed out on a place in the Olympic squad.

Wisbech were beaten 9-0 despite a strong showing from player of the match Beth Rosier. The second team lost 2-0 in a competitive clash.

The visit was sealed with a Spanish evening at the school, which blended music, drama, culture and, courtesy of head of food and nutrition Alison Sloan, tapas.

Teacher Alex Laybourne said: “It has been fantastic to have St Andrew’s School here for the last few days.

“We have had some very competitive fixtures, including the rugby fixture under lights, which was a new experience for the majority of our squad, as well as engaging culturally through the Spanish evening hosted by the school.

“We wish St Andrew’s the best of luck on the rest of their tour.”