Wisbech just two points off the top after impressive win at Upminster
WISBECH are setting their sights on promotion at the first attempt after an impressive victory away to Upminster left them two points off the London Division Three North East summit. They are fourth in the table, two points behind league leaders Beccles.
LONDON DIVISION THREE NORTH EAST
Upminster 10 Wisbech 21
WISBECH are setting their sights on promotion at the first attempt after an impressive victory away to Upminster left them two points off the summit.
Tom Paybody scored the first try after just 10 minutes after some good lineout work that set the tone for the game.
The ball was quickly fed from Andy Claydon into the midfield and on to Tom Long, who played Paybody in to touch down. Shane Vickers converted the try.
Man of the match Claydon scored Wisbech's second try on the half hour mark, with a brilliant blindside break from a scrum. He again beat the cover defence to finish in the corner. Vickers again converted the try.
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Upminster rallied at the start of the second half and reduced the deficit by three points with a penalty which saw Tom Martell sin-binned.
But Wisbech's response was inspired by Claydon, who seized on a loose ball almost 30 metres out and outstripped the defence to score under the post. Vickers again converted the try to give Wisbech a 21-3 lead with 20 minutes left.
Upminster finished strongly and scored a converted try late on, but it was a mere consolation.
Wisbech are now fourth in the table, two points behind leaders Beccles. They also trail Canvey Island and South Woodham Ferrers, on points scored and conceded.
And they host South Woodham on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm), knowing a win could lift them to second in the league.
A number of players are set to return for Wisbech and will help cement the strong league position.
n Wisbech Seconds fell to a 17-0 defeat against Wymondham Seconds in the Norfolk League, despite a solid performance.
Wisbech trailed 5-0 at the break and did everything but score in the second half.
Dave Brodie tackled hard all game, Jonno Blunt was outstanding in the back row and Jim Mitchell used his experience to rouse the forwards who had the better of the opposition in the loose.
They travel to Norwich on Saturday to play Crusaders.
