Wisbech prove too strong for Crusaders ahead of much-anticipated derby clash against West Norfolk

Wisbech secured a bonus point victory in their second game of the Counties 2 Eastern Counties League campaign – this time overcoming old rivals Crusaders 52-10 away from home.

The Men in Red moved the ball well across the pitch with some good interplay between centres Freddie Napier and flanker Olly Mackett, before back row forward Raimondas ‘the bulldozer’ Vinksna went over from short range.

In a show of ‘whatever the forwards can do the backs can do better’ the second try soon followed after Stafford Proctor released Kean ‘Kiki’ Kemsley who come in off his wing to go over under the posts.

Vinksna powered over from short range after some questionable out-the-back-of-the-hand passing from Solomon Prestidge.

A well-worked dominant driving maul from the lineout after a great acrobatic take by Olly Mackett was the source of the next try with ultra-veteran Nathaniel Humphreys the beneficiary.

Leading 26-3 at the interval, Wisbech picked up where they left in the first half as The Men in Red once again worked the ball well through the loose with young George Overland on his first appearance at prop.

Zach Lakey was able to pressure the Crusaders' back line and secured a well-taken interception to finish from close range with captain Jack Malkin once again adding the extras of the tee.

Wisbech stepped up their dominance which provided backs James Napier and Malkin to both score after some strong running from centre/utility forward Will Boreham.

The visitors added a final try via Vinksna to complete his hat-trick before a late Crusaders reply.

Notable mentions to Ryan Duffy at loosehead, Ollie Lake and the returning Rory Willis, who proved a dependable set of hands as part of the solid back three.

Wisbech Elgoods man-of-the-match went to powerhouse second-row Luke Green.

A well-deserved hard-earned victory on the road for the Men in Red but still several things to work on ahead of two tough upcoming fixtures at Harecroft Road West Norfolk & Woodbridge respectively.

Wisbech will welcome West Norfolk to Harecroft Road on Saturday for what is always a fiery-fiercely contested local derby (3pm).