Wisbech Rugby Club lose to Wymondham in a tough 2023 season opener

Wisbech entertained old rivals Wymondham in a tough opener to their league campaign at Harecroft Road over the weekend.

The Men in Red were tentative from the off, and it took a jinking run from the Wymondam centre ending up in a try under posts in order to wake Wisbech up.

They soaked up 20 minutes of pressure before getting an opportunity to take a lineout in the danger zone that resulted in Raimondas Vinksna going over in the corner from a driving maul - bringing the score to 7-5 in favour of the visitors.

Wymondham continued to assert themselves on the game, and pressure on Wisbech led to a further three points for the visitors from the penalty spot, stretching the visitors’ lead to 5-10.

Some solid resistance was displayed by the Men in Red, but cracks began to appear in defence around the 40 minute mark – with Wymondham running in two quick tries before half-time, putting them 22-5 in front.

Wisbech held their opponents out for the first 20 minutes of the second half, but struggled to get any attacking counter-play going. The introduction of experienced Wymondham replacements further added to their dominance, and two more tries were ran in to make the score 5-36.

Wisbech prop Luke Green did then power over in the final ten minutes for some points, with the match finishing 10-36 to the visitors.

The Wisbech man of the match award was shared between back rower Brad Williams and second row Solomon Prestidge.

The game was a stern reminder for Wisbech that they must be fitter and stronger to compete at this new level.

Player-coach Gerhard Wessels said: “There were certainly positives to take from the game and we must stick together as a group this year.”

Wisbech travel to Bury St Edmunds next week for what will be another tough encounter.