March Bears extended their lead at the top of the Eastern Counties Division Three West – and secured the local bragging rights – by edging rivals Wisbech Wildcats last weekend.

The Bears left it late to triumph in truly dramatic style - and retain the Jarck Arch Cup – with a 12-11 success in an end-to-end encounter that proved to be a fine advert for local rugby.

Wisbech were first to open the scoring courtesy of Arturas Rudys, but that lead was quickly rubbed out by Bears youngster Connor Porter, who marked his first Fenland derby with a well-taken try.

Harry Newman’s two penalties gave Wisbech the advantage heading into the break, and his side looked certain to take the points as the clock ran down in the second period.

But March weren’t finished there and snatched victory thanks to an excellent try from Jack Allison, who sprinted clear of the Wisbech defence to dot down in the dying seconds to conclude a Fenland derby full of action.

March president, Barry Feetham, said: “As far as local derbies go, Wisbech gave us the toughest, most physical game that we’ve encountered all season.

“Credit must go to both games for a thrilling game that had it all. The large group of supporters that came along were given a performance from both sets of players who were prepared to put their bodies on the line for their clubs. A game like this is what rugby is all about.”

March now top the standings by two points, while the Wildcats sit third-from-bottom with 17 points.