WISBECH Rugby Club were left cursing another luckless Saturday as a controversial last-gasp try condemned them to their seventh successive league loss.
Cliff Humphrey’s relegation battlers have not won since November, with high-flying Wanstead the latest side to claim victory at Harecroft Road.
They pipped a dogged Wisbech 12-10, with a try from a tap-penalty in the dying seconds stealing what would have been a memorable victory for the hosts.
Wisbech, who are second-bottom in London North-East Division Three, looked the brighter side in the first half as they stood up to the title challengers.
Winger Joe Barfoot crashed over to give them a 5-0 lead at the break but, after hooker Peter Lankfer and captain Dave Wadsley were sin-binned in the second period, Wanstead hit back with a converted try.
Barfoot restored Wisbech’s lead with his second try of the afternoon and the hosts were on the verge of clinging on when Wanstead struck.
The referee awarded a penalty for an infringement at a five-metre scrum and, although the tap-penalty did not appear to be taken from the mark, the Wanstead player was allowed to burrow over for the decisive try.
Humphreys said: “It is just not going our way at the moment but our luck is bound to change shortly.”
Wisbech host Old Brentwoods on Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here