Wisbech honours players and volunteers at annual awards evening

greg.plummer@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Published: 11:12, 19 May 2025

Wisbech Rugby Club held their annual club and senior players awards evening where, for only the second time ever, both the first team Players’ Player and club Player of the Year were shared.

Wisbech chairman and director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal hosted the ceremony with first team captain Jack Malkin handing out the awards, which were sponsored by Elgoods

Reflecting on the season, Veenendaal added: "The first half of the season was hampered with injuries and unavailability and then the 15 league points deduction, we quickly found ourselves way down in the bottom half of the table.

Svetlana and Raimondas Vinksna, left, in recognition of his exceptional 18-year service to the club from first team captain Jack Malkin, right

"But the lads stuck together, the players showed a dogged spirit to turn it around, and as players started returning from injury, we started climbing the league table.

"The match away to Wymondham amidst storm Darragh, against all odds and that dogged attitude pulled off a 19-0 win, which was the start of turning the season around.

"Travelling to March Bears and reversing the shock narrow defeat at home earlier in the season with a clinical demolition by scoring five tries to one and securing an emphatic 29-8 bonus point win, the positive results kept coming.

Players’ Player of the Year shared by MJ Wright, left, and Zac Lakey, left, with Skipper Jack Malkin in the middle presenting the award

"The win over Thurston away after being reduced to 14 men to come from behind to come away with a resounding 21-41 bonus point win would see us finish in the top half of the league and set the tone for our County Cup Challenge, which saw us sign of the season with silverware and the cup coming back home."

Veenendaal added: “Olly Murdoch picking up the most promising young players, given I had played alongside and later coached his father, was also a personal highlight for me. It also underlines the history, togetherness and family club that Wisbech rugby reflects.

“Veteran Ben Chapman, on several occasions throughout the season the rolled back the years to step up to the 1st XV, putting in 80-minute performances with distinction to earn the Long Playing Service Award.

The Player of the Year shared by Lewis Haddon and Solomon Prestidge (absent)

“This year’s awards also carried some sadness as we said goodbye and paid tribute to club legend Raimondas Vinksna, who, after 18 years playing for Wisbech, is returning to his native Lithuania.

"Raimos has been an exceptional servant to Wisbech rugby club, he would play in any position and any team wherever he was needed without question, a true loyal club man who has earned the love and respect from all across the club.

"On the pitch, he was a formidable opponent who has seen him awarded 1st XV player of the year twice and highest try scorer for three seasons on the trot.

Olly Murdoch, left, picking up the Most promising young players of the year

"We have many stories of Raimos on and off the pitch that will live in our memories for many years to come. We wish Raimondas and Svetlana all the best and hope to welcome them back to Wisbech Rugby Club sometime in the not-too-distant future.

"The seniors Vets, Wildcats and first team awards, along with the enthusiastic junior awards on the Saturday and the mini awards on the Sunday, celebrated success across the board.

"There is no doubt the club is in a fantastic, healthy place and I'm looking forward to the 2025-26 season come September. “

Volunteers who had contributed exceptional voluntary service to the club over and above their normal duties were recognised: secretary Dave Dobson, club treasurer Tracy Veenendaal, first team medic Lyndsey Wright, club photographer Andy Titmuss, Olly Mackett, Hal Whyatt, mini's section chair Nathaniel Humphreys and junior section chair Marcus Hall.

Club Person of the Year Nathaniel Humphreys

Raimondas Vinksna, in recognition of his exceptional service to the club from 2008-25, was also awarded for his 18 years of excellence playing for Wisbech Rugby Club.