Wisbech suffer glimpses of ability in home defeat to Southwold
Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal praised the togetherness of his squad after they were beaten 21-35 by Southwold at Harecroft Road.
An improved performance from Leonard Veenendaal's men was the only positive to take from a match that the Men in Red struggled to get a dominant foothold.
Despite the result, a competitive performance showed Wisbech can compete in this league and showed glimpses of what they are capable of.
Speaking after the game, Veenendaal said: “We made our problems through ill-discipline that put us on the wrong side of the referee and that that’s not good enough but we have some positives to take from the result.
“With six key players out with injury, a further four unavailable and two withdrawing on the morning due to illness, it was always going to be a big ask.
"I have to credit this squad who have stuck together throughout the season and have been highly competitive in every match.
“The players who have stepped up continue to grow week on week, with commitment pride and passion and I can ask for no more.
“Several players put their hands up, the man mountain Luke Green continues to impress, Henry Lankfer and Brad Williams got through a lot of work.
"Bull Tagicakiverata on his return was excellent, Gerhard Wessels and Jiko are in a fine vain of form and Charlie Talmage's two try-saving tackles were fantastic.
"Sam Anderson was outstanding, securing his lineout ball, solid in defence and carried relentlessly for the full 80 minutes earned him the Man of the Match award."
Wisbech withstood pressure from the visiting early on, as both sides looked to break the deadlock.
Southwold crossed for the opening points with a converted try to take a 7-0 lead.
Wisbech’s discipline began to falter giving away two consecutive penalties, the visitors converted to stretch their lead to 13-0.
Despite Southwold taking control, it would be the Men in Red who would score next to fight their way back into the fixture.
Wisbech shipped the ball to centre Gerhard Wessels who stepped his way through the defence before finding his in-form centre partner Jiko who in turn beat two defenders to dot down.
Skipper Jack Malkin converted on the angle to add the extras reducing the visitor's lead to 7-13.
Wisbech's comeback was short-lived as Southwold responded with another two tries and Southwold led 25-12 at half-time.
The home side were slow out of the starting blocks in the second half and Southwold made them pay with two unconverted tries to secure the bonus point and leave Veenendaal's men a mountain to climb.
Heading into the final 20 minutes, Wisbech took control and a catalogue of errors in attacking play saw the Men in Red score one further converted try before the final whistle.
Henry Lankfer was the scorer but it wasn’t enough to get the team the bonus point.
On Saturday, Wisbech welcome high-flying Ipswich to Harecroft Road (3pm).
