Wisbech stormed into second place in the Eastern Counties Division One and to within touching distance of promotiom thanks to a determined display against promotion rivals Wymondham on Saturday.

The hosts welcomed the Norfolk side knowing only a bonus point victory would be enough to leapfrog their opponents, and they sealed an important 22-12 victory in style through tries from Samuel Anderson, Jon Turner and Solomon Prestidge and assured kicking from Jack Malkin.

Leonard Veenendaal’s men began nervously, conceding three early kickable penalties. Luckily for Wisbech, Wymondham were only able to convert one of the three, and Wisbech were allowed to grow into the tie.

Wisbech soon got over their early wobble and surged into the lead after a try from Anderson, who did well to force the ball over the try line.

Jon Turner soon added a second for the promotion hopefuls after a bulldozing run, and Malkin added the extras to put his men in the ascendancy.

Anderson bagged a second try in similar style to his first to add to his side’s superb recovery, but Wisbech were soon pegged back through another Wymondham penalty.

Wymondham knew the points were slipping from their grasp and raced out of the blocks in the second period, but Wisbech’s defence held firm and swatted away any attacks from the visitors.

Wymondham, who started the afternoon in second in the league standings, sensed a way back into the encounter after kicking two penalties, but the tie and points were put beyond them in the final minutes when captain Solomon Prestidge crashed over for the vital bonus point try.

The reds’ heroic performance means they now lead their rivals by a single point heading into their final game of the season against Swaffham, where they will need another bonus point win in order to join Ely Tigers in the London North-East Three division.

Veenendaal’s men know they have their fate in their own hands, and coach Cliff Humphreys says his can hold their heads high after a terrific end-of-season turnaround.

He said: “Wisbech’s success this campaign is quite remarkable given the start we made – losing our first two games.

“The turn around must be attributed to Leonard Veenendaal. Leonard is a complete professional; he will work tirelessly to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and then organise the training sessions to implement a game plan. We are very fortunate at Wisbech to have such a quality coach.”