WISBECH Rugby Club’s title challenge was derailed on Saturday after they limped to a 35-21 defeat against Ipswich YMCA.

The shock result - Wisbech’s second Greene King Eastern Counties Division One loss of the season - sees Cantabrigian ease four points clear at the top of the table.

Injured fly-half Will Pettit, centre Jon Turner and hooker Nathaniel Humphreys were all missing for the trip to Ipswich, and the visitors conceded an early try as well as two penalties.

Joe Barfoot’s try, converted by Andy Claydon, gave Wisbech hope but props Dave Lamacraft and James Griffin were sin-binned early in the second half. While down to 13 men, the visitors shipped two more tries as Ipswich took control.

Barfoot and Vickers crashed over for Wisbech but the hosts ran in another try-double to dent Wisbech’s title ambitions.

• MAN of the match Kerrie McMullen helped Wisbech II thrash Wymondham II 19-3 with a second-half try blitz.

The young prop put in a strong performance but it was Steven Priest, Tim Mason and John Blunt who scored the tries which powered the seconds to victory.

Priest also converted two of the scores as Wisbech continued their climb up Woodfordes Norfolk Division One.

• BONE-CRUNCHING tackles from brothers James and Jordan Hilliard couldn’t stop March Bears falling to a 22-10 defeat against Shelford III.

The Bears found themselves 17-0 down at half time but a stern lecture from new coach Kris Feaviour inspired an improved second half.

Ben Brookes outpaced the Shelford defence to run in two tries, while Jason Mottram and Jonathan Beavis also put in all-action displays.