A depleted Wisbech pushed high flying Campion all the way before losing 15-6 on Saturday.

Cambs Times: Wisbech II v Broadland II Rugby. Picture: Steve Williams.Wisbech II v Broadland II Rugby. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The side travelled to the London 3 North East leaders with only one substitute and an ankle injury to the returning Mark Laws meant openside flanker Jack Smith was forced to play most of the game at centre.

Wisbech started strongly and Laws kicked a penalty to give the visitors the lead.

Against the run of play, Campion fly hacked the ball through and manage to win the foot race to score a converted try.

Both sides then kicked penalties to make the half time score 10-6 to Campion.

After the break, Wisbech enjoyed the majority of possession and territory but it was Campion who managed the only score of the half with another unconverted try.

Wisbech launched several length of the field attacks but they could not cross the try line.

Club coach Leonard Veenendaal said: “Man for man the pack fronted up with notable performances from skipper Ali Comben, Kerrie Mcmullen, Jack Smith and Greg Brownlow and a man of the match performance from Nathan Goodale.

“We take a lot of positives from the game which has set the bench mark for the remainder of the season, but we were disappointed with the loss. It’s a game we could and should have won.

“We have to learn to be more patient and clinical in the opposition 22.”

Wisbech host Old Brentwoods on Saturday at 2.30pm.

There was better news for Wisbech seconds, who built on the previous week’s thumping of Crusaders II with a hard-fought 17-8 win over Broadlands in the Norfolk Merit table.

Nathaniel Humphreys put the hosts ahead after five minutes with a try in the corner.

Broadlands reduced the deficit with a penalty but Wisbech then extended their lead through a second Humphreys try after good work by Ryan Tate. Harry Newman added the conversion.

Broadlands were next on the scoresheet with a try but scrum half David Brodie grabbed Wisbech’s third try to take the hosts in to the break 17-8 up.

After the break, Wisbech had to defend against the wind but showed great resolve to not concede any points.