HEROIC defence helped Wisbech edge closer to survival with a crucial 17-13 win over rivals Cantabrigians on Saturday in their last home league fixture of the season.

Cambs Times: Wisbech rugby vs Cantabs. Picture: Steve Williams.Wisbech rugby vs Cantabs. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

They remain fourth from bottom in London North East Division Three, one place off the drop zone and two points clear of Sudbury, who smashed Harlow at the weekend.

The game against Cantabs was a double header so victory also puts them into the semi final of the Cambs County Cup.

Boss Cliff Humphreys said: “David Wadsley has done a terrific job over the past few weeks rallying his troupes.

“Our discipline today was much improved. we really do need to get something from this game to keep us ahead of the chasing pack.

“Our league survival is really going to go down to the wire.”

Wisbech started well and built an early lead through two Mark Laws penalties before Cantabs replied with a penalty of their own.

The hosts then produced the best passage of play in the game to score the game’s first try.

Fly half Will Pettit broke the defensive line with a scintillating burst of pace before slipping the ball to Josh Searle, who crashed over.

Laws missed the conversion but added a penalty a few mintues later to make the score 14-6.

Cantabs fought back with a try of their own when their winger intercepted a pass and put their centre in for a try.

A Norwich penalty then reduced the arrears to 14-13 at the break.

In the second half Wisbech scored an early Laws penalty after which the game developed into a tense cat and mouse affair.

Cantabs pressed for a try but Wisbech’s defence stood firm.

Wisbech travel to Harlow on Saturday and then will face Beccles away on April 20 in their last league game of the season.

But they will have to do without Neil Hunt, who dislocated his shoulder during the last play of the game.