Wisbech claim the bragging rights with a dominant derby display at March Bears

Wisbech avenged the home defeat to March Bears earlier in the season with a clinical demolition to win the reverse fixture 29-8.

March Bears were schooled by Wisbech who won every physical battle on the park, most notably the scrum, as the visitors dictated the pace of the game with some arch gamesmanship.

In a battle of defence against attack, it was comprehensively the suffocating, hard-hitting Men in Red's defence that dominated and successfully sucked all the energy and festive cheer out of the March Bears, which might have been their biggest crowd in seasons but was despairingly quiet, shaken by the early onslaught.

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “In general when we lose at home it is a surprise and I make no bones about it, the loss to March at home was hard to take and I have no doubt for the squad as well.

“But it was also the tonic and wake-up call we needed, the squad stepped up their focus and work rate in training.

“Credit to March for despite the score line, staying in the game but with the preparation and with a couple of players back from injury, I never doubted the outcome.

“It was truly squad effort, even from those not involved in the match day team. I have to thank every player and coach but we know the job is not done, we have to turn our focus to climb back up the league table.

“Every player stepped up today and can hold their heads high, but Luke Green, Jake Jackson and Chris Parry deserve a special mention.

"Open-side flanker Freddy Forman was named Bowsers Man of the Match for his outstanding work rate and uncompromising defence.”

Wisbech dominated the ball, and, after an inspired pass from No8 Chris Parry, centre Gerhard Wessels scored the opening try in the right-hand corner.

Bears fought back with several attacking phases but the Men in Red's valiant defence held firm as the host had to settle for a penalty in front of the post. Sam Howat converted to reduce the visitor’s narrow lead to 5-3.

Wisbech reacted with intent and after several powerful phases, Wisbech flanker Freddy Forman sprinted over the line only for the try to be chalked off, the referee deeming it to have been a forward pass.

The pressure eventually rewarded with a penalty, and Wisbech opted for the corner to set-up the driving maul, the Men in Red did not disappoint, hooker Nathaniel Humphreys the beneficiary to score the five-pointer and stretch the visitors' lead to 10-3.

Sam Anderson was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and March capitalised on the numerical advantage with centre John Dibb going over in the far corner to reduce the visitors lead to 10-8.

March looked to have broken through only to be turned over on the try line and for the Wisbech fly-half Darryl Veenendaal to relieve the pressure with a long kick which found touch a metre short of the halfway line.

From the ensuing lineout, the Wisbech defensive pressure forced a scrum which turned into a penalty, again Veenendaal went for the attacking lineout deep in the March 22.

The Wisbech pressure was soon rewarded with a try when No8 Chris Parry powered his way over the line for their third try and Veenendaal added the extras to make it 17-8 at the break.

The Men in Red started the second half with intent, from the kick-off Wisbech reclaimed the ball and where back on the attack, a long pass from Veenendaal found Wessels on his outside who beat three defenders before being stopped on the 22-metre line.

From the ensuing ruck, Veenendaal slipped through the half gap only to be pulled down with a high tackle.

Veenendaal switched the attack to the left and again with the long pass found Wessels who slipped through the gap to release Parry on his outside to run in his second and secure the fourth try bonus point, Wisbech now with a comfortable 22-8 to lead.

March responded with a flurry of fine attacking phases of their own to set the game up for a cagey final 20 minutes but it was Wisbech’s defence that sealed the game.

Sam Anderson took the quick penalty only to be stopped a meter from the try line, Solomon Prestidge rounded off several pick-and-goes to power over the line for a well-deserved try in the left-hand corner.

Veenendaal converted to solidify the away side’s position and seal the 29-8 bonus point win.

Wisbech will have a weekend break before they welcome Bedford Athletic II to Harecroft Road on February 1.