WISBECH Rugby Club were knocked off the top of the league by title rivals Cantabrigians after a 12-6 defeat on Saturday.

The Harecroft Road outfit dropped to second in Greene King Eastern Counties Division One, one point behind Cantabs, after a fierce contest in which no tries were scored.

Wisbech looked the brighter of the two sides in the opening exchanges and Mark Laws kicked them into the lead with a penalty after five minutes.

But Cantabs, inspired by several strong overseas players, drew level before the break and took control of the match with three more penalties at the start of the second half.

Andy Claydon secured a bonus point for Wisbech by kicking his team’s second penalty in the closing stages, but it was not enough to prevent a defeat which could prove vital in the title race.

Manager Cliff Humphreys said Cantabs’ narrow pitch had deprived Wisbech’s backs of space but it had been “the same for both sides”.

He said: “It is always disappointing to lose a game but on this occasion Wisbech can be very proud of their performance.”

Wisbech travel to rivals West Norfolk on Saturday.

• WISBECH II put on a dominant display at Harecroft Road to smash Watton II 34-0.

Second row Richard Pearson scored his first try for the club as Ryan Tate, Simon Clarke, Daniel Roberts and Josh Anderson also crashed over.

Sam Anderson was in fine kicking form, slotting three conversions and a penalty, to seal a sparkling team performance.

The second string are at home to Crusaders II on Saturday.