Wisbech coach praises team's efforts and looks to build for next season

WISBECH Rugby Club's head coach Steve Drawbridge will be busy recruiting this summer to add strength in depth to his squad.

Drawbridge believes his club have had a fantastic season finishing third in the London North East Division Three, but is disappointed at narrowly missing out on promotion.

After winning their final league game of the season, 34-7 at Billericay on Saturday, Drawbridge said: "My strongest team is without doubt strong enough to challenge for promotion next year, but I just need to add some cover for when we have injuries and to enable me to rotate the squad.

"Two bad results have cost us but I would have taken third at the start of the season and we've matured as a team and learned a lot this year.

"At home we've been as good as anyone and it was a good away win at Billericay to finish the season on Saturday."

Wisbech went 7-0 down but responded with two Jack Hoyles tries.

Both were converted by the instrumental Andy Claydon, who went on to be named man of the match.

Claydon kicked two more penalties and scored and converted a try for 27-7.

Wisbech finished off with a Shane Vickers try set up by a bursting run from the outstanding Will Pettit and Claydon converted.

Drawbridge said: "John Turner was awesome in defence and Ben Hoyles and Phil Martell were superb in a makeshift pack. Billericay seemed to smash us about but the lads stood up to it superbly. Phil was filling in for his brother Tom, who is our hardest forward and he couldn't wait to call his brother and tell him he's played in his position."

Wisbech's final game of the season will be their county cup final against Saffron Walden next month.

The date and venue are to be confirmed.

Wisbech seconds suffered a 46-24 defeat to Norwich Lions and are second bottom of the Woodfordes Norfolk Division One.

They are due to play at North Walsham Warriors thirds on Saturday.