Wisbech Rugby Club lose to Shelford Nomads but U10s impress at Cambridgeshire tournament

Wisbech suffered another league loss when they welcomed Shelford Nomads to Harecroft Road on Saturday.

The home side began the first half in promising fashion, with strong runs from both the backs and forwards demonstrating both skill and determination to secure their first league win.

However, a slip in concentration and discipline while on the ball allowed Shelford to break the Men in Red's defence for their first try. This further paved the path for the visitors to break the defence repetitively in the first half, making two well-worked tries from veterans Raimondas Vinskna and Gerhard Wessels in vain.

The second half further added to the misfortune of Wisbech with another onslaught of tries for Shelford and a yellow card given to try-scorer Raimondas Vinksna.

The match finished 14-76 in favour of the visiting side.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Men in Red never let their heads down and gave 100% effort throughout the game – even without the loss of key players.

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: "The loss is disappointing but there are several positives to take from the game.

“It was always going to be a tough day at the office but positive consistent refereeing from Mr Jon Evans along with several young players who had to step in and step up to the plate being one of those positives.

"The positional switch from wing to back row for Lewis Haddon worked for us and offers us an additional option, Owen Ketteringham continues to grow week on week, and young Frank Etherington and Ari Baghdouyan showed huge promise on their return for their first games in 18 and 36 months respectively.

"Injuries and unavailability has stretched us – we have been not yet been able to pick the same match day squad for two consecutive games but we are not far off.

"We need to stick together and continue to work hard in training and I have no doubt the boys will deliver.”

Wisbech will face Cantabrigian away in search of the first league win this Saturday.

- Meanwhile, Wisbech U10s started their 2023-24 season by taking 16 players to the Cambridgeshire tournament hosted by Shelford RFC.

They played three games against Saffron Walden, Ely and Wendens Ambro in their new match shirts, generously sponsored by UPP broadband, Lamb Weston, Fraser Dawbarns and CF Fundraising.

Against Saffron Walden, Wisbech split into two teams to play equal halves and took a few minutes to get going against a well drilled opponent. The team held their own and grew into the game.

With a quick team talk, Wisbech came out fully charged against Ely. Some great running from Emily, Tommy, Frankie and Ellison – who scored two tries on her debut – saw Wisbech do well.

Joshua and Lawson were strong at ruck time, and as usual Braxton, Jorja and Bertie were ferocious in defence.

By now Wisbech were in full flow and ready for the final game. Player of the day Stanley was outstanding at carrying and off-loading to his team-mates as Elodie, Henry, William, Archie and Brayden impressed and Brayden grabbed a try on debut. Joseph got stuck in with some powerful running.

Wisbech coaches Steve, Gareth and Nathaniel were very proud of the efforts of the team and took lots away to work on in the coming weeks.

Mini rugby coaching co-ordinator Nathaniel Humphreys said: “If your child has been watching the Rugby World Cup and would like to give rugby a try, why not come down to Wisbech Rugby Club on Sunday mornings 10am?

“You’ll be made to feel really welcome by a family centred club and it fits well for several of our players who also play football and of course all abilities are welcome.”

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