Wisbech Rugby Club lose to Cheshunt in Papa John’s RFU Counties 2 Championship Cup

The Wisbech 1st XV suffered a tough defeat to Cheshunt on Saturday, losing 75-21 to the Counties 2 Hertfordshire/Middlesex league champions in the Papa John’s RFU Counties 2 Championship Cup.

Despite scoring three tries, Wisbech were on the back foot for the majority of the game, with Cheshunt showing their dominance throughout. However, the Men in Red showed grit and determination to push back right to the end.

It took a mere 30 seconds for the first score, with a Cheshunt forward claimed the bouncing ball for the home side from kick-off to score a converted try giving them a 7-0 lead.

The Cheshunt pack asserted themselves early on and their accurate defence continuously chopped the big Wisbech runners down on the gain line, and their speed to the breakdown rattled the Men in Red throughout.

The hosts followed on with two further converted tries as Wisbech struggled to cope with their sleek offloading game.

The visitors did respond positively, a trademark of the Counties 2 Eastern Counties champions, and after a series of carries, they were awarded a try through skipper Jack Malkin – which he converted himself.

However, Cheshunt hit back with another converted try to stretch their lead to 28-7.

But the Men in Reds’ spirits were not dampened as Raimondas Vinksna scored a wonderful try that capped off an excellent attacking move. The conversion was on target, leaving the score at 28-14 going into half-time.

The second half saw supremacy from the home side as they built a lead of 61-14. Wisbech would not be disheartened though, and their spirit and will saw them battle until the end.

Sam Anderson epitomised this, with Wisbech playing with passion and pride and stringing together several phases before Anderson finished by crossing the try line for their third converted try.

Cheshunt would again score twice to have the final say, leaving the score at 75-21 at the final whistle.

Wisbech’s director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “Today’s result was an example of what happens if you don’t prepare well, do not adapt on the pitch and what happens if you don’t take your chances. Cheshunt gave the lads a lesson in what happens when you do.

“The lads are disappointed, but all credit to Cheshunt, in all aspects of the game they were the better team on the day.

“We will regroup in pre-season and being promoted we will prepare knowing what we need to work on and improve on.”

Elsewhere, the Wisbech Vets/Wildcats XV produced a hard-fought win over an East of England Barbarian side comprising of veteran players from Thorney, West Norfolk and Peterborough.

The first half was a close affair, with both sides producing some entertaining rugby for those watching.

James Comben was first to score with some quick passing through the backs, his first game in 12 years.

The Barbarians replied soon after with a converted try of their own.

Ben Chapman’s barrelling run saw Wisbech score their second, only for a Thorney player to reply under the posts to yet again level the scores.

With roaring support from the sideline, Wisbech ran away with the second half. Phil Martel, Owen Ketteringham and Ben Chapman’s second try put Wisbech in a great position to close out the game.

Ollie Mackett and Mark Laws were both unlucky not to ground the ball over the line, but it didn’t dampen Wisbech spirits as the game was rounded off by final scores from Shane Vickers and Greg Brownlow.

The matched finished 41-14 in favour of Wisbech.

Steven Priest, Phil Cooper, Sean Hawthorne and Ty Tooke warranted a mention, but Richard ‘Dickle’ Cavill was awarded the Wisbech Round Table man of the match.

Skipper Greg Brownlow said: “On behalf of Wisbech I would like to thank everyone who helped put the fixture together and make it a great day for all those involved.

“I also want to thank the Thorney, Peterborough and West Norfolk players who played the game in good spirit, exemplary sportsmanship and were relentless to the end.

“Wisbech Vets are looking forward to next season’s matches.”

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