HAT-TRICK hero Will Pettit believes tomorrow’s home game with relegation rivals Sudbury will decide whether or not Wisbech Rugby Club stay up this season.

The fly-half scored a hat-trick of tries and Josh Searle touched down twice in Wisbech’s 27-18 win at East London on Saturday, which brought an end to a run of nine consecutive league defeats.

The bonus point win leaves them third from bottom in London North-East Division Three, one point behind Sudbury.

He said: “This game is the game that will decide whether or not we stay in this league. All the support we can get down to the club tomorrow will be greatly appreciated.

“This is a crucial game in our season. We have no option but to win.”

Pettit was pleased with his personal performance against East London but did not want to overlook the contribution of his colleagues to the win.

He said: “I’ve scored a hat-trick before against Norwich but this was my first one this season and it was long overdue.

“I played quite well but it was not all down to me. It was very much a team effort.

“We were fed up of losing and wanted to show the people of Wisbech that we are a decent enough team to be in this league.”

The crucial win brought a positive end to a difficult week at the club, marked by Cliff Humphreys’ decision to take a break from coaching the side.

But Pettit says he expects Humphreys will be back in charge before too long.

He said: “It’s a big loss to Wisbech but I’m sure once he has gone away and had a little rest he will be back.”