Director of rugby Veenendaal fields six new players

Wisbech 1st XV narrowly lost 10-20 to Thetford on Saturday, in a game which will be seen as a missed opportunity after a bright performance – but they were left frustrated with a lukewarm result.

Director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal fielded six new players in his starting XV and, in the early stages, Wisbech enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure, but Thetford kicked a successful penalty.

The eager Thetford defence was caught offside. Harry Newman was successful with the ensuing penalty to draw level.

Thetford produced a moment of rugby magic, from a quick tap penalty, to score a converted try in the corner. The half-time score stood at 3-10 for Thetford.

The second half started in the same way as the first, the Wisbech forwards were battering the Thetford line but Thetford centre Will Martin seized the opportunity to glide in for an easy intercept try.

Wisbech’s discipline began to falter, Thetford were awarded a penalty, 3-20.

Heading into the final 15 minutes, Wisbech again took control but poor decision making and simple errors continued to plague the home side.

This led to just one converted try before the final whistle. The Round Table Man-of-the Match Ben Wicks was the scorer, converted by Newman.

Speaking after the game, Veenendaal said: “Today’s result was an example of what happens if you don’t take your chances. Thetford gave the lads a lesson in what happens when you do.

“We made our own problems and that’s not good enough but we have some positives to take from the result.

“It does not get any easier next week when we host league title chasing Holt, but it also presents the squad an opportunity to show our supporters the lessons they have learnt and the rugby we are capable of playing.”

Wisbech host Holt at Harecroft Road on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.