Joe Barfoot’s hat-trick helped Wisbech seconds claim a thumping 66-17 win over Crusaders II on Saturday.

Cambs Times: Wisbech 2nd V Crusaders II. Picture: Steve Williams.Wisbech 2nd V Crusaders II. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The win was all the more impressive because Crusaders won the corresponding fixture 17-14 last month and went into the game unbeaten in eight Woodfordes Norfolk League II games.

Wisbech remain second bottom of the league, but the nature of the win should give them confidence as they seek to edge clear of the relegation spots.

Wisbech produced a dominant first half performance - they raced to a 40-0 lead by half time with braces from Mark Laws and Barfoot.

Jack Smith added a try with a mazy run through the Crusaders defence and James Patrick ran the length of the pitch to score.

After half-time, Crusaders sprang into action, breaching the Wisbech defence three times.

But the hosts responded with four tries of their own from winger Joe England, Sam Anderson, Smith and Barfoot.

The kicking duties were shared between Mark Laws, Steven Priest and Anderson, who added 16 points between them, and young openside flanker Harry Lott was man of the match.

Wisbech II’s next game is at home to Broadland Tigers, who are two places above them in the league, on Saturday.

When the two sides met earlier this season, Broadland won 17-0.

Captain Oliver Mackett said: “We had a few players coming back from injury, including Mark Laws who is working his way back from abroken ankle.

“Things are really looking up. Our season has been a rollercoaster. We did not start it well but we are improving and we are desperate to start climbing the table and avoid relegation.”

“Broadland are just above us in the league so this is an important game to win.”