Wisbech Rugby Club U15s, as runners-up in the Cambridgeshire Rugby Football Union Cup, travelled to Wymondham RFC to contest the Eastern Counties Rugby Union Plate Final against Sudbury RFC and Wymondham RFC, cup runners-up from Suffolk and Norfolk respectively.

In damp conditions, and against such strong opponents, it was to be a day of fine margins.

Wisbech faced Sudbury in their first game, and though they controlled the early exchanges and quickly asserted dominance at the set piece, stalwart defence from the Suffolk side prevented Wisbech converting this pressure in to points.

As half time approached the deadlock was broken when an excellent kick from fly half Fabian Simpson put the Sudbury full back under pressure, unable to gather cleanly the ball went loose and winger George Goy reacted brilliantly to cross for the first try of the match.

Wisbech’s second score, surely a try of the season contender, came shortly after half time.

Louis Pepe took the ball deep into the Sudbury half, props Bailey Raven and Luke Hare each added important yards following good Wisbech recycling before the ball went wide through slick hands to centre Angus Bell who broke through a stretched defence to score what was to be the final try of the match.

Final score: Wisbech 10 - Sudbury 0.

Wisbech’s game against Wymondham was effectively the final, the hosts having already beaten Sudbury, and the quality of rugby stepped up accordingly. In a tense and error-strewn first half neither side was able to assert any real control, replacement back-row Angus Flint securing important turnover ball at the breakdown released pressure more than once.

As the first half drew to a close Wisbech were awarded a penalty deep in to the Wymondham half and kicked to the corner, from the resulting line out the visitors built a strong driving maul which the hosts were unable to deal with and second-row Nick Little crossed for the first score of the match, Bell adding the extras from wide to make the half time score 7-0 to Wisbech.

After the break Wymondham were immediately on the front foot and though committed defence from Wisbech was holding out, hooker Jack Fowler in particular making a series of crucial tackles, it seemed only a matter of time until the line would be breached and so it was when Wymondham’s number 8 picked up from the base of a strong set piece and broke a number of tackles to score, the conversion attempt however was unsuccessful and this miss was to prove crucial. As the final whistle approach Wisbech were again able to apply good pressure to the Wymondham line but the home side’s defence held firm, as the clock ran in to the red Wisbech were awarded a penalty and kicked to touch to end the game. Final score: Wymondham 5 - Wisbech 7.

In winning the ECRU Plate Wisbech U15s have completed a very successful season in which they lost only two games.

All the Junior (U13-U16) teams at Wisbech RUFC have been recognised by the Cambridge University and District Rugby Referees Society for the the respect shown to match officials.

The Whistler’s Shield is a new award this season and was presented to Chris Hare, junior chairman, by John Hanlon, CUDRRS, after home fixtures on Sunday April 22.

All those involved with junior rugby at Wisbech RUFC have contributed to winning the award, particularly the players, coaches and supporters. The club would like to thank CUDRRS for their long-standing efforts in supporting rugby for young players

Preparations for next season are already underway, and the junior section will be holding sessions during the summer at which new players will be welcome.