Wisbech head coach Leonard Veenendaal says his men’s performance against Braintree was their best this season – despite their Junior Vase exit.

Ill-discipline early on contributed to the local lads going down 23-15, but Veenendaal praised his side and says he has no complaints about the result.

“The whole week leading up to the game I stressed the importance of starting strong and maintaining our discipline,” he said.

“The slow start and poor discipline saw us go behind early, which ultimately cost us the game.

“There are a lot of positives to take from the game, though, especially the way the lads fought back from a 17 point deficit.

“The final score didn’t reflect the game and I think it was the best rugby we’ve played all season.

“On the day, Braintree were the better team and took their chances well. I have no complaints. We have to improve on our discipline and learn to take our confidence at home on the road.”

Wisbech slipped 17 points behind after a disastrous start which saw skipper Solly Prestige sin-binned for a high tackle, but responded in style through tries from Nathan Goodale and Nathaniel Humphreys.

A couple of soft penalties either side of half time handed the initiative back to the hosts, and the Essex side held on to their lead to seal their place in the next round of the competition.

Wisbech return to Eastern Counties action this weekend with a clash with Colchesters 3rds, and Veenendaal is intent on getting back to winning ways.

He said: “We regroup and all our focus shifts to the league. I want the players to respond with a clinical ruthless edge on Saturday.”