Wisbech defeat Royston to secure Cambridgeshire Junior County Cup triumph

Wisbech rugby players signed off the season by securing a memorable 44-25 victory over Royston in the Cambridgeshire Junior County Cup.

Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: “The boys were outstanding, the work rate, skill and togetherness were exemplified with loosehead-prop Tom Parker getting off the defensive line to intercept the ball in the 70th minute of the game.

“We got off to a nervous start, but once we started putting huge pressure and isolating their quality 10 and 12 playmakers, we were able to start playing our game.

"A lot of credit for this goes to the tireless defensive work from back-row Ethan Garford and scrum-half Zac Lakey.

“I thought our midfield of James Napier and Jiko Jikomainukurua were simply outstanding.

"Our bench of Luke Green, Raimondas Vinksna, Olly Mackett, Willis Wright and Matt Esser made a significant impact, epitomising the value of a bomb squad.

“It was fantastic to see Raimondas Vinksna take to the field and it was even more befitting of the twice former player of the year and top try scorer for three consecutive seasons to sign off his illustrious playing career with a final try in a cup final.

"He has, over the 18 years symbolised commitment and pride towards the club, he would play in any team, any position, home or away, where the club needed him.

"On behalf of all at Wisbech rugby club, we wish Raimondas and his family all the best when they return to their native Lithuania. They will be sorely missed.”

The game started nervously for Wisbech, with Royston capitalising early to take an 8-0 lead.

However, it was not long before winger Hal Whyatt opened Wisbech’s account with a crucial try to settle the nerves.

Hooker Luke Hare soon added a second to put Wisbech ahead, followed by a well-worked score from Ethan Garford.

Royston hit back with a penalty and a converted try to regain the lead at 18-17, but Whyatt who carried and defended powerfully the whole game crossed for his second try just before the break to give Wisbech a 22-18 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Wisbech’s physicality come to the fore.

A barrage of pressure from the Wisbech forwards was rewarded when Luke Hare scored again to stretch the lead.

Veteran and club stalwart Raimondas Vinksna came off the bench in his final appearance in a red shirt to huge applause from the Wisbech supporters did not disappoint.

Within five minutes the ball found its way to Raimondas who did what he has done so many times over the years in a red shirt, beating three defenders powered over to score the most popular try of the day.

The action continued with Wisbech relentlessly coming forward, finished off with Luke Hare completing his hat-trick to push the Men in Red further ahead to 39-18.

Although Royston briefly threatened with a try of their own, Lewis Haddon, who had been formidable all day was rewarded with a final try to seal a commanding 44-25 win for the Men in Red.

Wisbech had to show real grit in the second half, playing with great determination despite receiving three yellow cards — to Jiko Jikomaiinukuura, Luke Hare and Tom Parker.

Their defensive resilience during these periods was outstanding.

Scrum-half Zac Lakey delivered a tireless performance, chasing everything and setting the tempo throughout, while Lewis Haddon consistently made ground with powerful runs.

James Napier was named the Elgoods Man of the Match after a superb all-round display, capping a brilliant afternoon for a Wisbech side whose collective spirit and physical dominance ultimately proved too much for Royston on the day.