Mammoth effort from Leonard Veenendaal’s men to bag an away win
Saturday, December 8
Crusaders 18 Wisbech 1st XV 22
Wisbech had not beaten Crusaders since their home meeting back in December 2017 and it took a mammoth effort from Leonard Veenendaal’s men to come away with a win away from home in front of a large vociferous Crusaders home support.
The match was incredibly tight throughout the match, the home side were in the ascendency in the opening minutes with Wisbech defence being tested to the fullest.
Ten minutes into the match, having soaked up the Crusaders pressure, Wisbech full-back Freddie Napier's superb 30-metre mazing run saw him beat three Crusaders players to score the opening try. Harry Newman's conversion was good to give Wisbech a 7-0 lead.
Crusaders fought back pinning Wisbech deep in their own half, the visitors unable to get their hands on the ball for most of the play. The Crusaders powerful scrum caused Wisbech endless problems resulting in two penalties which Crusaders converted to bring the score within a point, 7-6 for the visitors Wisbech.
Wisbech fought their way back into the match managing to get hold of the ball, their persistence in attack was rewarded when number 8 Pat Grote powered his way over the try line to score in the right hand corner, the conversion was missed and the score stood more firmly at 12-6 in favour of the visitors.
Wisbech solidified their 12-6 lead just before half-time when Harry Newman scored a penalty, ending a tight first half which saw the visitors Wisbech lead stretched to 15-6 when the two sides left the field.
Crusaders came out fighting and were the first team to make an impact in the second half, scoring a try after ten minutes after a sustained piece of attacking play. The conversion was missed, Wisbech’s lead now reduced to 15-11.
For the next 25 minutes an intense period followed, with both sides battling tirelessly to make ground in a fierce physical battle which no quarter asked or given.
With minutes left on the clock until full time, Wisbech were caught out with a neat little Crusaders chip kick over the defence. The Wisbech fullback slipped as he was about the gather the ball which bounce nicely into the Crusaders wing's arms to score under the post for a converted try, for the first time in the match handing the lead to Crusaders 18-15.
The home crowd with their loud drum were jubilant, "they think it's all over" but the referee ruled a minute of extra time for stoppage.
A tense final minute followed. Wisbech managed to regain possession from the restart, attacking with several patient phases. With the clock deep into stoppage time, Wisbech Round Table man-of-the-match fly half Jack Malkin who did not put a foot wrong the whole match, slipped through a gap to score under the post to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Newman’s conversion was good to seal a well fought victory 22-18 in favour of the visitors.
Speaking after the game, director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “We were excellent in the first half and defended with equal quality in the second but Crusaders at home are always a tough side who will provide a difficult test for any side in the league
"I am immensely proud of how the boys kept their cool and stuck to the Wisbech game shape and plan. Everyone including the bench gave their all, they did their town, club and the shirt proud, as a couch you can't ask for more.
“We’ve got to take each game as they come and try to build on the momentum when we travel to Holt on Saturday."
Next up, the 'Men in Red' travel to take on London 3 Eastern Counties league leaders Holt, kick-off 2pm.
Saturday, December 8
Wisbech Wildcats 32 St Ives II 26
The Wildcats pack started the game strong with a rolling mall driven over the line for hooker Olly Lake to score within the first five minutes of the game.
The Wildcats continued to put St Ives under pressure with the another try in quick succession, prop Kerrie McMullen scoring the first of his brace of tries.
St Ives fought back putting the Wildcats defence under pressure, eventually breaking through scoring the first of their two first half unconverted tries.
Sam Anderson converted a penalty to stretch the Wildcats' lead 18-14 as the referee blew for half-time.
The second half started slowly for the Wildcats, with St Ives coming out strong to take the lead with a converted try.
With both sides forwards tiring, substitutions were made and an excellent try from under-17 player Ben Goude to reclaim the lead for the Wildcats.
St Ives came straight back breaking through again to take reclaim the lead with five minutes to go.
The Wildcats dug deep, the senior players with their veteran captain Iwan Jones at the fore led the way, the forwards tireless carrying over the gain line, to enable the opportunity for the 17 year old fly half Zak Lakey to cross the line in the final minutes of the game. Sam Anderson converting to add the extras.
Ultimately the Wildcats took the spoils 32-26 to progress to the next round of the Cambridgeshire junior cup.
Ollie Simpson was awarded the Wisbech Round Table man-of-the-match for his tireless carries and work rate throughout the match.
Speaking after the match, Wildcats captain said: "The mix of experience and the younger players that are now coming through worked really well, the lads for the most stuck to the game plan we have been working on in training, the forwards working had drawing the opposition in creating space for the backs to attack paid off for us.
“I’m very happy with how the lads have responded this week and am proud of the effort they’ve put in.”
Sunday – Wisbech U11 v Swaffham U11
Wisbech U11’s stepped up for the match and started playing hard from the off. At half-time Wisbech had a slight lead over their opposition, who were holding their own with just nine players. With some blistering runs from players beginning to believe in themselves Wisbech closed the game to finish 8-4 up in tries.
Afterwards Wisbech U11 coach Marcus Hall thanked Swaffham for travelling and the parents from both sides.
Wisbech U15’s welcomed and beat Norwich Crusaders in a hard fought and tactical battle, 40-5.
Wisbech held the early charge, running in 21-0 at half-time with great lines and quick hands.
Great control and commands from the Wisbech number 9, Josh Sandall. Five out of six conversions for fly half Jacob Gent, amazing territory gained by Reeve Brighty but Man of the Match was full-back Will Paul.
Coach: Martin Grieve.
