Wisbech held to a 21-21 draw by second-placed Ipswich YM in Counties 2 Eastern Counties

Wisbech were denied victory against high-flying Ipswich YM in Counties 2 Eastern Counties on Saturday.

Ipswich YM arrived at Harecroft Road looking to claim the top spot in the table, fresh from a victory over leaders West Norfolk. Meanwhile, Wisbech were aiming to bounce back from a bruising encounter at Mistley and prove their mettle on home turf.

From the opening whistle, the Men in Red controlled possession, with fly-half Jack Malkin dictating play and the forwards retaining the ball well.

Defensive resilience from both sides suggested that points would be hard to come by, yet the relentless work rate of prop Luke Green and second row Solomon Prestidge ensured Wisbech had a platform to build from, despite some punishing scrummaging exchanges.

It was a classic forward’s maul try that broke the deadlock, as Wisbech muscled over the line before Malkin slotted a pinpoint conversion to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Ipswich YM, however, showed why they are near the top of the table, executing a well-worked blindside move to send their winger through for an equalising score. With the conversion added, the sides went into the break level at 7-7.

After some firm words at half-time, Wisbech came out firing. Their improved intensity and slick handling saw Luke Green crash over for his side’s second try, restoring the lead at 14-7.

For the next 20 minutes, Wisbech executed their game plan superbly, starving Ipswich of possession and remaining disciplined. Then, full-back MJ Wright produced a moment of magic, carving his way through what seemed like the entire Ipswich YM defence before offloading to the outstanding centre Joese Jikomainukurua, who touched down to extend the advantage to 21-7.

However, Ipswich YM mounted a determined comeback in the final 10 minutes. A moment of madness from number eight Sam Anderson saw him sent to the sin bin, and the visitors capitalised on their numerical advantage, running in two quick tries to level the score at 21-21.

At the final whistle, there was a sense of disappointment for Wisbech, having led for much of the match, but credit must go to Ipswich YM for their relentless work and late surge. It was a hard-fought contest that showcased the best of both sides, with the spoils shared.

Wisbech Elgoods Man of the Match was awarded jointly to second row Solomon Prestidge for his tireless work and centre Gerhard Wessels for an outstanding defensive performance and excellent game management in attack.

Wisbech 1sts travel to Mersea Island this Saturday while the Wildcats host West Norfolk 2nds at Harecroft Road.