Wisbech 1st XV returned to league action for the first time since February 17 when they entertained Newmarket at Harecroft Road.

The fixture had been postponed by snow and ice on March 3 and Wisbech had won the encounter at Newmarket earlier in the season 23-10.

Both sides have had a challenging season so the fixture offered both the realistic opportunity to earn a win.

Newmarket kicked off into a very strong and bitingly cold easterly wind.

The visitors soon showed that they would be strong opponents in the scrum while the home side combined well to move the ball through hands and into space.

A series of driving mauls by Wisbech gave them a foothold in the Newmarket 22 metre area and they put pressure on the Newmarket try line.

The pressure was eventually turned into points with a converted try.

Unfortunately in the build up to the try the Newmarket loose head prop suffered a serious head injury which required an ambulance to be called.

After ensuring the player was receiving the appropriate care and attention the game was moved to an adjacent pitch.

Wisbech settled the quicker of the two sides after the break in play and the home backs linked well to run in five tries.

The Newmarket forwards proved to adept at the pick and drive to put Wisbech under sustained pressure and first half ended with a Newmarket try after a clearance kick failed to find touch and the visiting right winger touched down in the corner.

The pattern of play in the second half mirrored that of the first half. Newmarket relished driving close to the breakdown and Wisbech looked for any chance to move the ball into space where their pace and support running led to frequent scores.

The match finished 72-10 to Wisbech, Flyhalf Jack Malkin being awarded the Wisbech Round Table man-of-the-match.

Wisbech RUFC send their best wishes to the injured Newmarket player and both Clubs thank the ambulance service for the efficient care they provided.

Club captain Olly Mackett said: “It is fantastic for the club to be able to field 40 players this weekend and I am delighted to see so many young, new and former players making an effort and turning out for the mighty Wildcats.

“It can only be positive for the club’s future”

The league season continues on Saturday March 24 when Wymondham RFC are the visiting opposition.