MANAGER Cliff Humphreys praised the fighting spirit of Wisbech Rugby Club after they dug deep to upset the league leaders on Saturday.

Upminster arrived at Harecroft Road with a 100 per cent record in London North East Division Three, but a 20-15 defeat to Humphreys’ troops destroyed their unbeaten start.

“We certainly have a fighting spirit here at Wisbech as every player again played their part,” said Humphreys.

“After the game Upminster’s coach complained that his team had not played well as they were clearly disappointed that they had lost. Perhaps it was because we did not allow them to settle.

“Upminster certainly looked the part with the ball in hand but once we made a few tackles and pushed them back they did not look so comfortable.”

Ben Wicks, Neil Hunt and former skipper Tom Long made their first starts of the season for Wisbech, who moved Mark Laws to scrum half as cover for the injured Andy Claydon.

The hosts seemed to take a while to get used to the changes as Upminster opened the scoring with a converted try in the 15th minute.

But Wisbech were quick to rally and after two Laws penalties - and one from the visitors - the game was evenly poised at 10-6 at the break.

Wicks toasted his first start with a try as the home side started the second half powerfully. Laws added the extras and, moments later, Hunt also crashed over. Again Laws slotted the conversion and, in a matter of minutes, Wisbech had taken control of the game.

Upminster were rattled and, despite a late try, they failed to find a comeback.

The impressive win took Wisbech up to third in the league. They travel to Wanstead tomorrow.