2nd XV continue love affair with ‘under the lights’ RFU initiative

Wisbech Wildcats made it two from two for the season on Friday when they beat hosts Thetford Heathens 7-31 to continue their love affair with the Friday night ‘under the lights’ fixtures, making it four in a row since the RFU initiative was introduced last season.

Thetford took an early 7-0 lead with a converted try.

But the Wildcats put Thetford under pressure, Phil Cooper, Mark Goude and the impressive Luke Green putting in some big carries. Fly-half Zac Lackey (17) produced a bit of magic to score in the corner to reduce the score to 7–5.

Jack Malkin, playing his first match since his injury back in mid-August, was introduced off the bench replacing Zac Lackey at fly-half, with the latter moving to scrum-half.

Malkin unleashed veteran James ‘the Rhino’ Patrick who brushed off a couple of tackles to give the Wildcats a lead 7–12 late in the first half.

In the second half, Patrick scored his second try after a sustained piece of attacking play. Malkin convested, 7–19.

The electric Paulius Tamoliunas added a fantastic individual try, converted by Malkin, 7–26; and full back Ricky Harnwell scored in the corner, conversion missed.

With excellent performances across the team, MoM was Zac Lackey.

Next up, the Wisbech 1st XV take on Fakenham in the London 3 Eastern Counties league at home on Saturday, 3pm.

Fakenham come off the back of an impressive 26-10 win over Thetford while the hosts are still hurting from their 41-6 defeat to Ely.

Director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “Credit has to go to head coach Nico Steenkamp and Mark Goude for the work they have done with this group of players.”

He continued: “These Friday night ‘under the light’ fixtures are a great opportunity to introduce some of our young players to adult rugby alongside some experienced and veteran players as well as some valued game time for players returning from injury and those who due to other commitments find it difficult to play on Saturdays.”