Wisbech Rugby Union has called on players to find a never say die attitude after struggling to find a full team.
The club travelled to Holt for their latest league fixture but for the first time in recent memory Wisbech were unable to field a full 1st XV team.
Eleven players travelled to the game and with the help of a borrowed Holt player it enabled a 12-a-side ‘friendly’ match.
Oliver Mackett, club captain, said: “It would have been a very competitive match had Wisbech been at full strength. The fact we were unable to field a competitive 1st XV for a league fixture is a sad reflection of Wisbech senior rugby.
“A number of players need to improve their attitudes and commitment. Wisbech needs to show improvement in their next home game against Woodbridge.
“This season Lowestoft and Yarmouth, Newmarket and now Wisbech have all struggled to field a full team to honour a league fixture which is a sad reflection of the strength of grass roots rugby in the Eastern Counties.
“But my concern is Wisbech and I am calling on the players to rally, pull together find their commitment and never-say-die attitude that has always enabled Wisbech to punch above their weight.
“On behalf of the Club I have to commend and thank the 11 players who upheld Wisbech’s pride reputation of always honouring an away fixture,“ said club chairman Leonard Veenendaal.
Holt’s coaches, Ed Steed and Phil Sharpe thanked the eleven Wisbech players for their commitment which gave them the opportunity to give all of their squad, by rotation, a work-out in a game they comfortably won 55 - 19.
In what turned out to be a highly entertaining match, usual half backs Jack Malkin and Dave Brodie controlled the game well when Wisbech had possession.
Young back Alex Watson scored a try for Wisbech showing strength and pace to finish in the corner. He added to his tally by scoring another in the second half.
Jack Malkin scored a try under the posts when he danced through the defence as well as two successful conversions. But there was no doubt from either side naming stand out player Henry Lankfer as the Wisbech Round Table man of the match.
Wisbech Wildcats travel to Shelford on Friday (9) for an ‘under the lights’ match, KO 7.30pm while the 1st XV are next in action at home to high flying Woodbridge on February 17.
On Sunday (4) the Wisbech u15’s continued their impressive form following up last week’s thrilling semi-final cup win with a convincing 17-0 away win over St Neots.
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