EASTERN COUNTIES DIVISION ONE Fakenham 17 Wisbech 28 A NEW-look Wisbech took time to gel in their first competitive match of the season, but eventually finished the stronger side and romped to victory. The side, captained by Andy Hoyles on his retu

EASTERN COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

Fakenham 17

Wisbech 28

A NEW-look Wisbech took time to gel in their first competitive match of the season, but eventually finished the stronger side and romped to victory.

The side, captained by Andy Hoyles on his return from Spalding, failed to click at the start of the match and lost centre Tom Long to the sin bin for 10 minutes for a late challenge.

Their Norfolk opponents made the numerical advantage count, by going two tries ahead.

But gradually Wisbech began to play as a unit, with the lineout working particularly well thanks to accurate throwing from hooker Charlie Roberts, and Phil Read and Hoyles jumping well.

The scrum also stood solid against a well-organised Fakenham side, and gave the backs a platform to work on.

Fly-half Andy Page orchestrated two tries for new signing Neil Hunt and Charlie Roberts before half-time, to send Wisbech into the break with an arguably undeserved 18-17 lead.

Wisbech took control of the game in the second half, looking after possession much better with good work in the loose by Tom Martell and Ben Wicks.

Wisbech lost Read with a twisted ankle, but Ben Chapman and Scott Lloyd took over in the engine room with both players contributing with strong scrummaging and good support play.

Another try from Hunt, as well as a try from Jacques Steynberg and a penalty from Andy Claydon, ensured Wisbech returned home with a victory.

Wisbech play their first home game of the season tomorrow (Saturday) against Holt. Kick-off is at 3pm.

NORFOLK MERIT TABLE, LEAGUE 1

Wisbech 2nd XV 14

West Norfolk 2nd XV 26

A SECOND half collapse from Wisbech ensured they lost their first league game of the season against West Norfolk.

Wisbech made an ideal start, with Ben Rogers crashing over to score after just eight minutes. Pete Rogers added the conversion.

West Norfolk responded with an unconverted try ten minutes later, but the guile of scrum half Dave Salmon saw Wisbech produce the best move of the match to go 14-5 ahead. The forwards took the ball on and released the backs, ending with James Yeagers sprinting past the cover defence to score.

However, Wisbech made several positional changes at the start of the second half due to injury, allowing West Norfolk to take the advantage.

The Fenmen were outgunned by the opposition's superior pack and conceded three converted tries without response.

Wisbech will be looking to bounce back from the defeat away at Wymondham tomorrow in the Norfolk League.