Wisbech Rugby Club remembers Arturas before Ely defeat

Wisbech Rugby Club returned to action on Saturday for the first time since the tragic loss of Arturas Rudys.

Prior to the match, the two sides came together for a minute’s silence to honour the passing of Arturas.

Unfortunately, a couple of weeks away affected Wisbech players mentally, as well as skilfully, as their return to action was hampered by errors, all be it in treacherous conditions at Downham Road.

The game began with Ely kicking off, with Wisbech being unable to secure the high ball and gifting Ely possession deep within the Wisbech half.

Ely were awarded a scrum and opted to attack to the right, their backs moving the ball well to find space on the outside to go in untouched for the first try of the game.

Wisbech, like much of the season, were like rabbits in the headlights for the next ten minutes and Ely ran in two more unanswered tries.

They enjoyed their best spell of the game, working their way into the Ely 22 through a series of penalties and keeping the ball in play, ended up camped on the Ely try line.

Then late into the second half through some industrious work from the forwards, particularly Luke Green, eventually resulted in the one and only veteran Raimondas Vinksna who was also named Wisbech man-of-the-match going over, with skipper Jack Malkin converting to put the Men in Red on the scoreboard.

After a delay because of a thunderstorm the match resumed in the second half.

Full-back Sam Anderson should be noted for his valiant efforts to secure the high balls, but Ely capitalised on the errors and field position, running in two more unanswered tries.

Wisbech defended well during the game in spells, but the absence of playing for a fortnight really did show.

Whilst this is Wisbech's fifth defeat in five games, it should be noted the young members of the team continued to show promise.

Special mentions should go to Owen Ketteringham, Luca Hardy and Ari Baghdouyan for their continued efforts on match days and training.

It was also good to see club stalwart and veteran Nathaniel Humphreys back in the red shirt.

Wisbech welcome Ipswich YM to Harecroft Road on Saturday, KO 2.30pm.