WISBECH Rugby Club’s young stars got their season off to an encouraging start at the weekend by putting in a brave performance at the Cambridgeshire County Cup.

It was the under-9s who led the way for Wisbech. Ben Wilcox, Ewan Samways and Sam Howat were all in fantastic form as the youngsters topped their group.

But, despite a heroic defensive effort, Wisbech were knocked out in the semi-final, losing by just one try against a strong Newmarket side.

• WISBECH Under-11s new-boy Aaron Brundle was named player of the week in an impressive first outing for the side.

Brundle scored Wisbech’s only try of the tournament, and fellow new players Connor Bull and Carl Purvey played well, but the youngsters failed to qualify from the group stages.

• IT was a similar story for Wisbech Under-10s who failed to qualify from a difficult group despite two thumping victories.

Tries from Lewis Theobald (3), Henry Mair, Geoffrey Kirby, George Paul, Finley Murdoch and Jack Tremain helped Wisbech to impressive wins over St Ives and Ely.

But the team failed to progress after being beaten 10-0 by eventual winners Cambridge.

• WISBECH Under-8s were also in action, with tries from Oliver Murdoch, Billy Nurse and Joshua Bell giving the youngsters something to cheer about.

• RISING rugby stars from Wisbech Grammar School continued their impressive form by dominating their rivals from King’s School, Ely.

The senior side tasted victory before the under-13s, under-12s and under-11s also secured comfortable wins.

In six matches played between the two schools, Wisbech notched up almost 200 points in comparison to Ely’s 71.

Coach Ben Hoyles said: “We have got a great set of results from the junior sides and we are pushing players to develop further at the higher age groups.”