GALLERY: Wisbech 19 - 35 Southwold

A depleted Wisbech put up a spirited showing against unbeaten Eastern Counties 1 leaders Southwold but lost 35-19 at Harecroft Road on Saturday.

Coach Leonard Veneendaal was forced to reconfigure the back row and bring in youngster Olive Lake and Nat Hunt.

It was clear from the first scrum that Wisbech’s pack were under pressure as they were pushed off their own ball by the physical and well-drilled visitors.

Southwold opened the scoring mid way through the first half through Josh Crick’s try before Pete Holmes bagged the visitors’ second try.

Wisbech continued to work hard and were rewarded shortly before half time when prop Kerrie Mcmullen went over under the posts, Jack Malkin added the conversion.

Wisbech were caught cold at the start of the second half as the visitors increased their physical presence to score converted tries through Jonny Stevenson and Aaron Bliss.

Wisbech were in danger of capitulating but, to their credit, they dug in.

Southwold scored their fifth try of the afternoon through Chippy Middleditch before Wisbech rallied with tries by centre James Napier who out paced the visitors defence and Nathaniel Humphreys from a catch and drive at a line out.

Next up for Wisbech, who are sixth in the league, is an away day at relegation threatened Thurston in a must win game. Wisbech have been drawn away to Cheshunt in the fourth round of the junior vase on January 24.