VALIANT Wisbech secured their most important victory of the season on Saturday as they moved out of the drop zone with a 41-5 thrashing of relegation rivals Sudbury.
The London North-East Division Three strugglers looked doomed a fortnight ago as nine consecutive league losses saw them plummet down the table.
But bonus point wins over relegation rivals East London and Sudbury have put Wisbech four points clear of the drop, with four games remaining and a renewed belief in the squad.
Dave Wadsley’s side took control of Saturday’s clash in the fifth minute when Mark Laws, playing at scrum-half, opened the scoring at Harecroft Road.
Laws claimed an interception and crashed over under the posts before adding the conversion himself.
Wisbech’s pack began to assert themselves and, as gaps appeared in the visitors’ defence, fly-half Will Pettit raced through for a try in the 20th minute.
Sudbury hit back with an unconverted try - but Laws’ second converted try of the day and a Shane Vickers score were enough to give the hosts a 24-5 lead at the break.
Wisbech have paid the price for throwing away leads this season - but a fine second-half display ensured it was a different story at the weekend.
Full back Joe Barfoot scored two tries - one converted by Laws - as his pace proved too much for the Sudbury back line. The win was sealed in the final minute as second row Ben Chapman crashed over.
Captain Wadsley admitted he was pleased with the performance and urged his key players to make themselves available for the four games which will decide Wisbech’s league fate,
“Canvey Island, who are second from bottom, are six points adrift but have a game in hand on us and Sudbury,” said Wadsley.
“The next two games are away to Beccles and league leaders Norwich. We must try our best to get something out of both these games to secure our league position.
“I really do hope that most of the squad players will make themselves available for these games.”
Wisbech, who were presented with a club accreditation award by the RFU before Saturday’s game, travel to Beccles this weekend.
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