DESPERATE defence helped Wisbech Rugby Club cling on to their unbeaten league record as they warmed up for Saturday’s Junior Vase clash with a narrow 18-16 victory.

High-flying Wisbech, who have now won all eight of their Greene King Eastern Counties Division One matches, were pushed all the way by Southwold on Saturday.

The mid-table side were first to cross the try line but Wisbech quickly hit back when Mark Laws converted his own try. Joe Barfoot added a second for Wisbech and Laws kicked two penalties to nudge them further ahead.

But Southwold responded in style, setting up camp in the Wisbech half for the majority of the second half.

A flurry of penalties put them within touching distance but the depleted Wisbech side dug deep to maintain their lead, producing some dogged defence.

Wisbech face Division Two leaders Thetford in the Junior Vase Third Round on Saturday. Kick-off is 2pm at Harecroft Road.

• POWERFUL performances from brothers Ben and Sean Saxby helped March Bears to a 15-0 victory over Cambourne on Saturday.

The Bears took the lead through a Sean Saxby penalty before brother Ben scored two stunning tries. Jake Reed kicked a conversion.

March Legends were also in action at the weekend, falling to a 41-5 defeat against Peterborough Juggers. Man of the match Martin Arrowglass scored March’s try.