Wisbech retain Mayle Cup with hard-fought victory over Peterborough

A Wisbech select XV opened their pre-season campaign with a 21-0 win over Peterborough to retain the esteemed 𝙈𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙚 𝘾𝙪𝙥.

Named after a Wisbech butcher PD Mayle, a well-known all-round sportsman, donated the trophy for an annual match between Wisbech Rugby Club and Peterborough Rugby Club.

The first match played in Wisbech Park back in 1948 continued until 1970.

It was briefly resurrected in the 1992/93 season won by Peterborough before being resurrected again last season.

Scoring three converted tries secured a brilliant away victory for Leonard Veenendaal’s side.

Wisbech featured debutant loosehead prop Ryan Duffy and three returning players in Jake Jackson, Will Boreham and Kean Kemsley after a year’s absence as well as veteran forward Richard Cavil who seamlessly made his return after a six-year break.

After a 20-minute arm wrestle, the Men in Red broke the deadlock with a try from Solomon Prestidge off the back of a scrum, skipper Jack Malkin converted to give the away side a 7-0 lead.

On the stroke of half-time, Wisbech added to their tally with another try.

A backs move straight off the training pitch saw Sam Anderson cutting through the gap without a finger laid on him to touch down, Malkin again converted to solidify the away side’s position.

Peterborough started the second half hungry for victory and their intensity tested the Men in Reds’ defence.

The home side continued to dominate in spells while Wisbech defended resolutely.

Peterborough camped on the Wisbech try line looked sure to have broken the stubborn Wisbech defence but a fine turnover from the Men in Red allowed them to reclaim the ball and clear their lines just short of the halfway line.

Wisbech secured the lineout as the forwards worked their way into the Peterborough half, Jack Malkin then produced a piece of magic when he broke through the home side’s line beating three defenders to touch the ball down which he duly converted.

The home side where not going down without a fight and continued to dominate in spells while Wisbech defended resolutely.

Wisbech held on to the final whistle ending the match and giving the away side a hard-fought 21-0 win.

The Man of the Match was awarded to Solomon Prestidge.

Wisbech will host Counties 1 side Newmarket at Harecroft Road on Saturday for the Tim Mason Cup in their final pre-season fixture (2pm).