GALLERY: Wisbech fight back to earn draw but league future looks in doubt after Old Brentwoods win
Wisbech seconds v Cambridge Exiles. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Wisbech produced a fantastic late fight back to earn a 32-32 draw at Canvey Island on Saturday and keep themselves in the hunt for league survival.
Wisbech seconds v Cambridge Exiles. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
The visitors found themselves 17 points behind with 15 minutes remaining against the league’s basement side but three late tries saw them scrap a draw, earning a try bonus point in the process.
Wisbech seconds v Cambridge Exiles. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
But relegation rivals Old Brentwoods won their game so Wisbech are still in the London NE Division Three drop zone.
With only three games remaining, Wisbech are three points behind Brentwoods, who also have a game in hand.
They host Harlow on March 22, travel to Sudbury on April 5 and finish with a home game against Beccles on April 12.
Coach Leonard Veenendaal said: “There are three games left this season, all of which are must win games.
“We need to regroup for these final games. I would ask all club players to make themselves available for these matches and to train hard over the next week.
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“At least then we will give ourselves a fighting chance although our fate will depend on the teams above, all of whom have games in hand.”
Wisbech went behind after 15 minutes to a Canvey try but Wisbech then went ahead through Richard Pearson’s try, which Jack Malkin converted.
Shortly after centre James Napier out paced Canvey’s defence to score a try but Canvey responded with two tries to take the lead.
A Malkin penalty just before half time made it 17-15 at the break to Canvey but Wisbech had a disastrous start to the second half, losing Ben Chapman to a pulled muscle and Kerrie McMullen to the sin-bin for a technical infringement.
Canvey capitalised with two quick tries, a conversion and a penalty to lead 32- 15 with 15 minutes to go.
Wisbech looked doomed but Andy Claydon’s converted try sparked an impressive come back.
Joe Barfoot and Napier scored late tries to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.
There was disappointment for Wisbech seconds, who are out of the Cambridgeshire Junior Cup after losing 24-10 to Cambridge Exiles in a quarter final clash at Harecroft Road on Saturday.
Wisbech found themselves 19-0 down at half time but produced a spirited second half.
Tim Mason and James McEldruff scored tries to reduce the deficit to nine points but Cambridge had the final say with a last minute try.
