Wisbech beaten by Mistley in bruising Counties 2 Eastern Counties clash
Wisbech made the long trek to Mistley RFC and turned in a spirited team performance during a 32-17 defeat.
Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “The scoreline did not reflect the game with both teams scoring three tries each, the physical tight defence from both sides denying either side the bonus point is a testament to this.
"It is without a doubt the toughest and most physical match we have played this season so far. Although disappointed with the result I am immensely proud of the lads and the way they played.”
From the opening whistle, Mistley applied relentless pressure, pinning Wisbech deep in the sloped bottom corner of the pitch. Sustained phase play eventually saw the hosts breakthrough under the posts, converting for an early lead.
A quickly-followed penalty extended Mistley’s advantage to 10-0.
A crucial defensive moment came when centre Jiko Jikomainukuru tracked back superbly to deny Mistley another scoring opportunity in the corner.
The Men in Red found themselves absorbing wave after wave of attack, but their defensive resilience kept the hosts at bay, conceding only penalty points.
Zac Lakey put in a tireless shift, charging down three separate kicks, while veteran Gerhard Wessels delivered crunching tackles in midfield to stem the tide.
When Wisbech finally broke free, it was with a moment of individual brilliance.
Tomasi Andrea embarked on a scintillating solo run, carving through what felt like the entire Mistley team before touching down in the corner.
A stunning try that brought Wisbech back into the contest.
The first half ended on a bruising note, with Luke Green splitting his eyebrow open and Jake Jackson forced off with a shoulder injury.
Both sides saw yellow cards in a scrappy and fiercely contested battle.
Fired up for the second half, Wisbech came out with intent, piling pressure on Mistley’s last-man defence.
However, errors in discipline and a misfiring lineout handed the momentum back to the hosts.
The second half became a try-for-try exchange, with Mistley adding two more to their tally, while Tomasi Andrea continued his electric powerful form, adding two more of his own to complete a well-earned hat trick.
The home side pressed for a fourth try to seal a bonus point, but a determined uncompromising Wisbech defensive stand held them up in the corner.
A valiant effort from all who travelled, a mention of appreciation for veteran forward Sean Hawthorn for stepping up and an eye-catching debut welcome to Olly Murdoch.
Standout performer Tomasi Andrea with his tireless defence, relentless carries and three superb tries named the Wisbech Bowsers Man of the Match.
Wisbech now turn their focus to their next challenge, welcoming promotion-chasing Ipswich YM to Harecroft Road on March 1, the Men in Red eager to extend their impressive home winning streak.
