Wisbech Rugby Club's remarkable comeback seals win over Newmarket

Wisbech put in a performance to remember on Saturday when they beat Newmarket 26-21 at NSDA Pavilion.

However, the game had looked out of sight for Leonard Veenendaals’ men with less than 26 minutes to play.

Hat-tricks from Raimondas Vinksna and Solomon Prestidge - and four conversions from skipper Jack Malkin - gave Wisbech their fifth bonus point league win in a highly competitive match that will live long in the memory of supporters.

While Newmarket were dominant in for the majority of the first half, it was Wisbech who were the first team to register points on the board.

Vinksnas’ try in the 10th minute gave the Men in Red an early 5-0 lead.

However,Newmarket hit back, scoring their first try of the day which would lead to a successful half for the hosts. Another converted try gave Newmarket a 14-5 lead at half-time.

They were quick out of the starting blocks, scoring an early try in the second half. The resulting conversion put them 21-5 up, and Wisbech appeared to be losing their grip on the game.

Ten minutes later, a glimmer of hope arrived for the Men in Red through Solomon Prestidge’s try, bringing the away side back into the match. Malkin converted, leaving the score 21-12 to the hosts with less than 20 minutes to play.

It was at this point that Wisbech truly kick-started a remarkable comeback.

Several pick-and-goes got Raimondas Vinksna over the line and a conversion from Jack Malkin further cut the visitors further lead to 21-19, with the Men in Red within three points of victory.

With the clock running down and a golden opportunity from an attacking lineout missed in the 76th minute, Wisbech would have been forgiven for losing hope of victory.

But the Men in Red did not stop working - and in the 79th minute, the visitors were awarded another penalty. Skipper Malkin went for touch, setting up an attacking lineout eight metres from the try line.

Prestidge again secured possession, setting up the driving maul, and Newmarket’s stubborn defence stopped two meters from the line.

Wisbech forwards, still with possession, unleashed the league’s top try scorer Vinksna as he powered his way over the line to secure the win and the four try bonus point.

Malkin coolly slotted away the conversion on full-time to seal an incredible 26-21 victory.

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal praised his team for ‘the way they fight for each other, the way they believe in the game plan and finding a way to win.’

He said: “We knew it was going to be tough, two of our players having to go to A&E afterwards requiring stiches was testament to just how tough a battle it proved to be.

“It was truly a team effort and again the bench made a significant impact when called upon.

“Raimondas Vinksna was his usual effective self, Will Borheham, James Napier and Gerhard Wessels where immense, but Wisbech Round Table man of the match Solomon Prestidge was, simply put, outstanding, leading from the front for the full 80 minutes.”

Wisbech next travel to Cottenham Renegades.

Wisbech XV: James Napier, Ethan Garford, Gerhard Wessels, Will Boreham, Toro Tui, Jack Malkin, Zac Lakey, Raimondas Vinksna, Skippy Parsons, Jack Obey, Solomon Prestidge, Josh Anderson, Kerrie McMullen, George Overland, Luke Green