Wisbech 1st XV suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Cantabs, with a final scoreline of 60-14.
The visitors were outplayed throughout the match, but showcased their resilience by securing two hard-fought tries.
Cantabs opened the scoring in the 7th minute, capitalising on a strong attacking phase to take an early 7-0 lead.
The home side's physicality proved too much for Wisbech, unsettling them from the start.
By the 20th minute, Cantabs had extended their lead to 12-0 with another try.
Wisbech, however, responded positively.
Finley Murdoch, stepping in at inside centre, powered over the line for Wisbech's first try, with captain Jack Malkin successfully converting to make it 12-7.
Despite another unconverted try from Cantabs, Wisbech continued to battle.
MJ Wright touched down for a second try, with Malkin adding the extras to bring Wisbech within three points at 17-14.
Cantabs managed another unconverted try just before the half-time whistle, going into the break with a 22-14 lead.
However, the second half was one-sided, with Cantabs scoring multiple unanswered tries.
Wisbech's injury woes and player absences were evident as they struggled to keep up with the first-half intensity.
The Wildcats also faced a similar fate at home, losing 21-50 to the Fenland Barbarians in their Eastern Counties 2 West league fixture.
Reflecting on the match, Wisbech director of rugby Leonard Veenendaal said: "The continued unavailability for away matches is having a significant impact across the club, which inevitably affects the Wildcats too.
"It forces your hand to risk players carrying knocks just to fulfil fixtures — and that only compounds the situation."
Despite the defeats, Veenendaal remained optimistic, lauding the squad's effort and determination until the final whistle.
The 1st XV will take a break from league action while the Wildcats prepare for their Mayle Cup defence against Peterborough 2nd XV.
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