Wisbech Rugby Club win 2023 Hayle Cup with victory over Peterborough
A warm and sunny day at Harecroft Road proved to be an omen for a bright performance from the Men in Red.
Wisbech’s pre-season friendly with visitors Peterborough had an extra edge to it as well, with the sides playing for the Mayle Cup.
The trophy is named after a Wisbech butcher P.D. Mayle, a well-known all-round sportsman, who donated it for an annual match between Wisbech and Peterborough Rugby Club.
The first match played in Wisbech Park back in 1948 continued until 1970, when it was "forgotten about". However, it was briefly resurrected in the 1992/93 season – won by Peterborough – before it was sadly forgotten again.
However, back up for grabs at the weekend, tries from George Overland and Solomon Prestidge and a brace each from Luke Green and Owen Ketteringham – as well as five conversions from the boot of skipper Jack Malkin – ensured the Men in Red came away with the win.
However, it was the visitors Peterborough who started with intent.
In the first ten minutes, they dominated the ball, and after an inspiring pass scored the opening try to take a 7-0 lead.
Despite taking the initial control, it would be Wisbech who would score next to fight their way back into the contest.
This would foreshadow a period of scintillating attacking play from the hosts, who looked threatening with every phase of play.
As the whistle blew for half-time, they had established a comfortable 21-7 lead.
Wisbech then started the second half brightly, quickly adding another try to stretch their lead to 26-7.
The visitors continued to look dangerous with ball in hand, however, and their efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute with a converted try of their own to narrow the score to 26-14.
Heading into the final 20 minutes, Wisbech took control with a solid defence and a flurry of fine attacking sequences to score two more converted tries.
The final score ended 40-14 in Wisbech’s favour.
Several players impressed, but young Owen Ketteringham – who had turned 21 earlier in the week – put in a tireless 80 minute performance both in attack and defence, and with a brace of well taken tries he was named the man of the match.
Wisbech will play their final pre-season match on Saturday away to Spalding, with kick-off at 3pm, before they welcome Wymondham the following week to Harecroft Road for the opening round of the Counties 1 Eastern Counties League campaign.
