Wisbech returned to winning ways impressively as they ended North Walsham 2nds unbeaten record with a hard-fought 25-15 bonus-point victory at Harecroft Road.

After suffering consecutive defeats, Wisbech showed tremendous character to overcome their in-form visitors despite finishing the contest with injury concerns.

Director of Rugby Leonard Veenendaal praised his side’s resilience after a bruising encounter.

“After two disappointing losses and then coming up against an in-form, undefeated Walsham side was always going to be a big test,” he said.

“But the boys held their nerve and rode out some heavy momentum.

“Today belonged to backrow Ari Baghdouyan, whose work rate in defence and with ball in hand was outstanding, earning him the Bowsers Man of the Match award.

“It was a bruising, costly match which will see Kerrie McMullen out of action for possibly the rest of the season, but we will build on the positives.”

The visitors dominated the opening quarter, pinning Wisbech inside their own half before taking the lead with an unconverted try after 16 minutes.

However, Wisbech responded through Ed Hackett, who gathered the loose ball to score after Baghdouyan had burst through the defence following good work from Solomon Prestidge.

Captain Jack Malkin then kicked a penalty to put the hosts 8-5 ahead, only for Walsham to regain the advantage with another unconverted try.

Wisbech had the final say of the first half, though, as Josh Anderson forced his way over following a series of pick-and-goes to establish a 13-10 interval lead.

Walsham struck first after the restart, crossing for their third try to edge 15-13 ahead.

But Wisbech’s forwards responded strongly, with prop McMullen powering over from a driving maul following an attacking lineout seven metres from the visitors’ line.

The hosts then faced a stern examination of their defensive resolve when two successive yellow cards temporarily reduced them to 13 men.

However, they stood firm under sustained pressure to preserve their slender 18-15 advantage until returning to full strength.

The physical encounter also brought a serious setback for Wisbech, with try-scorer McMullen suffering a dislocated shoulder which could rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Wisbech eventually secured victory when fullback Matt Esser was illegally tackled as he looked certain to score following a sweeping attacking move.

The referee awarded a penalty try, extending the hosts’ lead to 25-15 and securing the four-try bonus point.

Wisbech comfortably negotiated the closing stages to claim a morale-boosting victory.

They now travel to old rivals Fakenham, while the Wildcats entertain Shelford IV at Harecroft Road.