Wisbech Rugby Club lose at Thurston while Wildcats thrashed by St Neots

Wisbech Rugby Club's first team suffered a tough 50-21 defeat at high-flying Thurston on Saturday.

Despite scoring three tries and leading 21-19 at the break, Wisbech were on the back foot in the second period with Thurston showing their dominance and class throughout.

The home side rounded off a strong attacking move to score in the corner and take a 5-0 lead after ten minutes.

Wisbech responded positively, putting the pressure on and causing Thurston to spill the ball, with veteran winger Shane Vickers reacting the quickest by scooping up the loose ball on the half way line and sprinting to the try line to score.

Wessels converted to give the visitors a 7-5 lead 13 minutes into the game.

With the score at 7-5, it was clear that the Men in Red were not going to be deterred by Thurston’s reputation or the 31-5 drubbing they suffered back in October at home.

They enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure and possession deep in the Thurston half, with Solomon Prestidge breaking through the Thurston defence at pace to score. The conversion was on target.

Six minutes later, Wisbech found themselves on their own five meter line with a defensive scrum. The Wisbech pack, who were dominant throughout, turned on the power to win the scrum against the head. However, Thurston’s open side flanker was first to react and he pounced on the loose ball to score a converted try under the noses of the Wisbech backs - who were caught napping - to reduce the deficit to 12-14.

But two minutes later the Men in Red hit back with several power phases in the Thurston 22 meter area.

Wisbech Round Table Man of the Match Raimondas Vinskna, who had been threatening with the ball in hand, powered his way over the try line to increase the Wisbech lead with a converted try to 21-12.

On the stroke of half time Thurston replied with a breakaway try of their own to reduce the score 19-21 in favour of the visitors.

The second half saw supremacy from the home side with the wind at their backs, and Thurston went on to score four unanswered tries.

Wisbech battled hard throughout the second half, but their poor discipline in defence and a catalogue of errors in attacking play did not make it any easier for the visitors.

Speaking after the game, Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: "Covid dealt us a hard blow this week but we make no excuses, other teams in the league have endured the same misfortune at some point during the season.

"The boys that stepped up at late notice did well. Our forwards, and in particular our scrum, were good alongside the individual performances from Raimondas Vinksna and Ethan Garford, measured against quality opposition was outstanding."

Elsewhere, a depleted Wisbech Wildcats were soundly beaten 43-0 by an on-form St Neots side.

Though there were moments of individual skill from the Men in Red, St Neots demonstrated class and skill to run out deserved victors.

Wisbech players George Overland and Rory Willis both played their hearts out for the entire match deserve a mention.

Wildcats skipper Olly Mackett thanked St Neots for their hospitality.