Brave fight by Wisbech not enough

Wisbech put in a valiant performance in Saturday’s 17-35 loss to league leaders Holt in their final London 3 Eastern Counties league fixture.

Scores from Sam Anderson (2) and Kianoco Waisake were not enough for the Men in Red with the visitors running in five tries to secure a bonus point win.

It took 15 minutes for Holt to edge into the lead with a try under the post, the conversion being missed in the wind.

Wisbech hit back when captain and fly half Gerhard Wessels managed a half break and with a long pass found Fijian veteran Kianoco Waisake who beat three defenders to cross the try line and level the scores 5-5, the conversion again missed.

Within two minutes Holt hit back with an unconverted try of their own to reclaim the lead 10-5.

Two quick ruck phases and Wisbech’s relentless attacking threat was rewarded with blind side flanker Sam Anderson going over from a meter out to level the scores at 10-10.

Holt were rewarded a penalty and opted to kick for post to give them a 13-10 lead.

But Sam Anderson bundle over the whitewash, Isaia Baro converted and they were back in the lead 17-13. On the stroke of half-time, Holt kicked another penalty to reduce the score to 17-16.

Holt appeared rejuvenated after the restart and began to pressurise Wisbech, scoring two quick tries.

Wisbech kept fighting but could not break through the Holt line, shortly before the final whistle Holt added a fifth converted try to claim the 35-17 bonus point win.

There were several outstanding performances but captain and fly half Gerhard Wessels led from the front with an outstanding individual performance to be awarded the Wisbech Round Table man of the match award for the second consecutive week.

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “The boys are disappointed but they can hold their heads high.”

• Wisbech Vets travel to Boston on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm