Wisbech boss Cliff Humphreys has backed his side to bounce back after they were relegated on Saturday.
They beat Beccles 22-3 in their final league game of the season but London North East 3 relegation rivals Old Brentwoods got the win they needed to send Wisbech down.
Wisbech will ply their trade in Eastern Counties 1 next season but Humphreys believes there are reasons to be optimistic for the future.
He said: “There were some memorable performances but in the end our squad of committed first team players was too thin to compete at this level.
“Relegation to Eastern Counties 1 may be a blessing as it will allows us to regroup and work with a number of young players who have joined the club this season.
“Leonard (Veenendaal, club coach) and I will sit down over the next few weeks to plan pre-season training.
“Personally I would like to thank Leonard for his supreme efforts over the season.
“He worked tirelessly to prepare the squad each week. I know he will be disappointed that the club has been relegated but he is a proud man and he will relish the challenge to win back promotion next season.”
Humphreys believes three games were the difference between Wisbech securing a top half finish and going down.
He said: “At the beginning of the season we targeted a mid table finish but unfortunately the defeats at home to Brentwoods and Wanstead and the lacklustre away draw to bottom club Canvey cost us 11 points.
“Had we secured those points we would have finished in 5th position.”
On Saturday, Wisbech started at a high tempo and were rewarded with a try from winger James Patrick who, after being released by quick hands from his inside backs, beat three defenders to score. Scrum-half Jack Malkin slotted the conversion to make it 7-0.
The two sides traded penalties before Wisbech went further clear through Shane Vickers’ 60 metre interception try, which was again converted by Malkin to make it 17-3 at half time.
Beccles raised their game after the break but Wisbech’s defence stood firm and they scored the final try.
Vickers beat his opposite wing, drew the full back and with a lovely over the top pass offloaded to Goodale who touched down.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here