By WILL HARDING Under-16s Rugby Spalding 41 Wisbech 8 WISBECH have been waiting for this match since the start of the season and produced an exceptional performance. The scoreline was not a true reflection of the match. As soon as the starting whistle bl

By WILL HARDING

Under-16s Rugby

Spalding 41 Wisbech 8

WISBECH have been waiting for this match since the start of the season and produced an exceptional performance.

The scoreline was not a true reflection of the match.

As soon as the starting whistle blew, all 15 Wisbech players were at full velocity. After the ninth minute a penalty was given in favour of Wisbech due to a ball handling offence, on the floor, in a ruck, by Spalding. Nick Thompsett took the penalty kick and placed it perfectly between the posts. The visiting players and supporters took heart from this early lead. Unfortunately, Spalding replied with a vengeance and broke through the Wisbech back line to score their first try in the eleventh minute, which was converted. This was one of many to come, as Spalding ran in two more tries, which their number ten failed to convert. The score was 17 - 3 with the opposing team in the lead. Suddenly the Wisbech pack drove Spalding back in the scrum followed by Geoff Crosby at No. 8, who picked up the ball as it came out the back of the scrum, he saw a gap and ran straight through it, reaching the try line just before he was tackled, he was able to put the ball over the line and win the team five more points. The conversion was not made but the score was looking more promising with the half-time score at 19-8 in Spalding's favour.

The second half started, with the Wisbech team fighting hard, but they soon fell behind, letting Spalding score another four tries, but only one was converted. During the last 20 minutes, open play was restricted by torrential rain. The game ended with a scoreline of 41-8 to the home team.

The final score was not a true reflection of the Wisbech team's efforts as they had played exceptionally well, considering the weather conditions and the greater experience of the Spalding side. Wisbech Coach, Andy Bolden commended his under-16s on their spirited play, but stated that there is plenty of room for improvement, during the remainder of the season.