FLY-HALF Will Pettit has insisted Wisbech Rugby Club can still get promoted after he defied an ankle injury to inspire them to victory over Southwold.

The 22-year-old limped off during his side’s 18-17 win over Harwich & Dovercourt last month - prompting fears that his season could be over.

But he made an emphatic comeback on Saturday, scoring two tries to help Wisbech crush Southwold 34-5 at Harecroft Road. The win leaves them four points behind title rivals Cantabrigian, who also have a game in hand.

Pettit said: “I was so annoyed when I got injured, especially with the game against Cantabs coming up, which I’m desperate to play in.

“But the ankle seemed fine on Saturday - I scored two tries so it can’t have been that bad!”

Southwold started strongly at the weekend, but Pettit’s tries either side of half time put the hosts in control.

David Wadsley, Phil Martell and Joe Barfoot crashed over to secure the bonus-point win, with Mark Laws and scrum half Andy Claydon in fine kicking form.

The victory boosts Wisbech’s Greene King Eastern Counties Division One promotion hopes, which were dented by a shock defeat to Ipswich YMCA last week.

Pettit, a former Wisbech Grammar School student, said: “I went down to Ipswich with the team and it was painful to watch.

“Everyone was pretty down after that but we’ve pulled ourselves together and we’ve just got to hope that Cantabs mess up. We are as good as them, if not better, so if we can lose one then they can.

“I wouldn’t say for one second that we won’t get promoted this year - we can definitely still do it.

“We have to do it so people don’t think we’re all talk.”

Wisbech, who would face a promotion play-off against an Essex Division One side if they finish second, host Cantabs in their final league game on March 31. They welcome Mersea Island to Harecroft Road tomorrow (KO 3pm).