Wisbech made it four league wins on the bounce with an impressive 33-19 bonus-point victory over Thurston Rangers in a physical encounter at Harecroft Road.
The Men in Red were tested early on, soaking up sustained pressure in the opening exchanges before Thurston eventually broke through for a converted try and a 7-0 lead.
Wisbech, however, responded with authority and never looked back after drawing level.
Wisbech try scorers Hal Whyatt, Finley Murdoch (3) and Freddie Napier. Picture: Andy Titmuss
A well-worked lineout move sparked the turnaround, with No.8 Hal Whyatt combining cleverly with Danny West before finishing under the posts, skipper Jack Malkin adding the extras.
The hosts then took control when prop Kerrie McMullen’s turnover created the platform for Freddie Napier to produce a fine solo try, converted by Malkin for a 14-7 advantage.
Wing Finley Murdoch proved the standout performer, claiming a superb hat-trick.
His first came before the interval after good work from Whyatt and McMullen released him to sprint clear, Malkin’s third conversion giving Wisbech a commanding 21-7 half-time lead.
Thurston threatened a comeback early in the second half with an unconverted try, but Wisbech’s attacking quality soon reasserted itself.
Slick handling across the backline allowed Murdoch to cross again in the corner, before he completed his treble in style, finishing off a dazzling break from West to secure the bonus point with under ten minutes remaining.
Although Thurston grabbed a late consolation, Wisbech were comfortable winners, with Malkin finishing with four conversions in a composed display from the tee.
The victory sets up a trip to Thorney next as Wisbech chase a fifth consecutive win in their penultimate league fixture.
Wildcats book cup final place after battling display
Wisbech Wildcats edged a tense contest with unbeaten Fenland Barbarians to reach the County Junior Cup final with a 26-17 victory.
In a closely fought encounter, the Wildcats edged the first half to lead 14-0, but the Barbarians hit back immediately after the restart through a converted try from Will Paul.
The sides traded scores throughout a gripping second period, with Wisbech narrowly ahead at 19-17 entering the final stages.
The decisive moment came late on when debutant Nedas Surkys marked his first appearance in rugby with a superb try, using his pace to finish and seal the win.
Freddy Forman also impressed on his return, helping the Wildcats see out the contest and book a final appearance on May 16.
Colts complete perfect weekend with dramatic semi-final win
Wisbech U18 Colts rounded off a memorable weekend for the club by securing a thrilling 46-43 victory over Shelford in the Eastern Counties Plate semi-final.
In a high-scoring encounter that swung back and forth, tries from Archie Grange-Hall, Danny West, Marley Doughty, Ripley Mills, Jacob Phillpot and Josh Stebbings-Abbrams kept Wisbech in contention, with standout performances from Tom Wicks and Zak Upton.
The Colts showed resilience to come from behind and dramatically snatch victory, sealing their place in next Sunday’s final, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
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Wisbech Wildcats, who took on Fenland Barbarians in the County Junior CupWisbech U18 Colts. Picture: Andy titmussFinley Murdoch is on the way to the try line for one of his tries. Picture: Andy TitmussU18 Colts MoM was shared by Tom Wicks and Zac Upton. Picture: Andy TitmussWisbech Colts try scorers, from left, Archie Grange-Hall, Danny West, Marley Doughty, Ripley Mills, Jacob Phillpot, and Josh Stebbings-Abbrams. Picture: Andy Titmuss.Elgoods Man of the match Finley Murdoch with a hat trick of tries. Picture: Andy Titmuss
