Wisbech under-16s defeat Shelford to book Peterborough clash in next round of County Cup

Incredibly proud and emotional under-16 Wisbech coaches Ben Wicks and Steve Drawbridge could not hide their delight after a stellar 29-19 win over Shelford A in the County Cup.

A game plan was set out and the boys implemented it from the start putting Shelford under pressure from the kick-off.

The opening 20 minutes were frenetic with both sides trying to establish a dominant platform but it was Wisbech who opened the scoring.

They began to establish the physical and territorial advantage that allowed them to impose themselves on Shelford to close out the half with a two-try advantage.

Shelford are too good a side to allow any complacency and they opened the scoring in the second half as they also started to win the breakdown battles putting Wisbech under pressure with Shelford enjoying the lion's share of the possession

The team regrouped and the final 20 minutes belonged to Wisbech as they fought their way back into the match.

Wisbech were eventually rewarded for their constant pressure on the Shelford line with a last-minute try to put the game beyond doubt.

Coach Steve Drawbridge said: "The passion, commitment and the desire to win of Wisbech were probably the points of difference between two very good teams with great skill levels.

"Individually, there were many stand-out performances notably Dylan, Marley and Jack for their physical presence and carries but this win was built on a huge defensive performance and a collective team effort from all 17 players.

"Our U16s represented their club with distinction today, in a hugely physical contest this was the moment that Wisbech U16s finally came of age and now believe they belong at the top table of Cambridgeshire rugby."

Wisbech U16 captain Tom Ryan added: "The game today against Shelford was a very physical and exciting game to play. I am very proud of my team as a whole and what they accomplished.

"I would like to mention the try scorers of Joe Pennels, Jacob Phillpot, Jack Horspole, Thomas Wicks, and Jamie Gordon.

"I would also like to thank our opponents for a fantastic game. A very successful win for Wisbech and hopefully many more to come."

The next round beckons against Peterborough in two weeks when the team will need to be at their best and only then dare they dream of a final, potentially against Cambridge later in the season.