Ill-discipline haunts Wisbech Rugby Club in 20-15 loss but seconds claim gutsy win
WISBECH Rugby Club paid the price for an afternoon of ill-discipline as they fell to a 20-15 defeat against South Woodham Ferrers on Saturday.
Cliff Humphrey’s troops secured a losing bonus point in London North-East Division Three despite having three players sin-binned in the first half.
Newly-signed back row Jack Smith was the first to be yellow-carded in the 20th minute, and hosts Ferrers took advantage by scoring a converted try and a penalty.
Flanker Tom Martell and centre Shane Vickers were the next visitors to the bin as Wisbech’s penalty count began to soar. The home side were awarded a penalty try and, despite Mark Laws’ penalty, Wisbech trailed 15-3 at the break.
Within minutes of the second period the visitors were back to full strength and starting to cause Ferrers problems. Joe Barfoot intercepted a pass and sprinted in for a try converted by Laws but Ferrers extended their lead again with an unconverted try.
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Centre Jon Turner crashed over to give Wisbech hope of a late comeback but the hosts stood firm in the final 10 minutes.
Manager Humphreys said: “On reflection the final score could have been much worse.
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“Although I was disappointed with the discipline and penalty count I must praise the efforts of every player, they fought to the end.
“To gain a losing bonus point under these circumstances must be a positive result.”
Wisbech host Upminster on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
• CAPTAIN Oliver Mackett said he was proud of Wisbech II after they held on for a gutsy 17-15 victory over Holt.
Tries from Neil Hunt, Daniel Roberts and Ben Wicks, and a conversion from Matt Mitchell, gave Wisbech a 17-10 lead at the break.
Holt fought back with an unconverted try in the second half but Wisbech’s defence clung on for a memorable win.
Mackett said: “I’m immensely proud of the teamwork and heart shown by the whole side. It was great to see some old faces returning to the team.
“If we can keep this intensity up, we’ll look to improve on our league finish from last year.”
