Wisbech are hit by injuries during defeat at Bedford Athletic
Wisbech travelled to a young and physical Bedford Athletic side and a much-improved performance from the Men in Red was tarnished by injury troubles that led to a difficult 47-21 loss.
Bedford started strong, scoring a try within minutes after moving the ball wide allowing their winger to cross for the opening points.
The referee overruled the conversion attempt ruling the kicker had exceeded the allowed 90 seconds for the conversion of a try being scored leaving the score at 5-0 to the hosts.
The Men in Red then had their turn at attacking using their big physical forwards to put pressure to the young Bedford side which led to Bedford’s scrum-half receiving a yellow card.
From the penalty, Wisbech kicked for touch to set up an attacking lineout.
A well-taken lineout led to a powerful and impressive maul which was steered over the line allowing Lawson Humphreys to drop on the ball for the try. Alfie Anderson was on target with the conversion putting Wisbech 5-7 ahead.
However, Bedford Athletic did not back down from having a man suspended for 10 minutes, responding quickly with another try of their own, a copy of their first try the ball was shifted right wing to score his second try out wide.
This time the conversion was on target as Bedford reclaimed the lead.
Bedford continued to press and within minutes from an excellent line break and good support, added another converted try under the post to extend their lead to 19-7.
The Men in Red undeterred, got back in Bedford’s half of the pitch, regaining possession from the kick-off.
With some good phases, they worked their way to five meters from the try line, quick ball found Ethan Garford and the powerful back-row forced his way over the try line.
Alfie Anderson was successful with the conversion to reduce the home side's lead to 19-14
Despite the momentary relief of pressure, Bedford’s fitness shone as their work rate enabled them to score another converted try under the post to go 26-14 into the break.
Bedford picked up where they left off in the second half scoring a converted try in the early stages to set up a commanding 33-14 lead and Wisbech had it all to do.
However, Wisbech’s injury woes came back to haunt them when both Ethan Garford and Hal Whyatt suffered ankle injuries while Alfie Anderson injured his knee, but with the bench depleted, the Men in Red were forced to keep the players on the pitch in a makeshift backline.
Bedford Athletic dominated the possession for most of the second half scoring another 19 points through structure and silky open play moves, whilst Wisbech forwards were getting tired while the injuries did not help their cause.
Wisbech refused to go down without a fight. With an outstanding line break, centre Jiko Jikomainukurua, returning from injury in his first game of the season beat two defenders to score Wisbech's third try.
Alfie Anderson slotted the conversion to bring the score to 40-21
Determined to add more points, Bedford responded with one final converted try, sealing the game at 47-21.
Despite back-to-back losses, Wisbech still sit in fourth place in the table with only one point between them and third place Bedford Athletic.
The team take a break from the league with a bye weekend ahead of their clash with Mistley at home on November 9.
Wisbech Vets will be in action on Friday evening when they travel to take on Stamford under the Friday night lights (7.45pm).