March v Wisbech local derby was a 'thrilling encounter'.

For the past few decades Wisbech have remained unbeaten by March Bears and it was on the cards, with Wisbech being second in the league and March being 12th, that it was more than likely this winning streak would continue

Both teams kicked off with several of their normal starters missing, but this being a local derby, the pace seemed unaffected, in fact, the match was played throughout at a fierce speed with little given each way ,which made for a very thrilling encounter for the  large crowd

Within five minutes, March had gone ahead with an excellent pressure try and a fine line run by John Dibb to go through under the posts and the conversion was a formality for Sam Howat.

For the next 25 minutes, there was no give but the Wisbech pack who had a large advantage in weight dominated the set piece scrum and the mauls but could not capitalise on this domination.

However, March looked sharp on the break and thanks to some good tackling were prevented from scoring again.

In the 30th minute Wisbech saw one of their scrum penalised and yellow carded.

Within two minutes of this, George Paul scored a second try for March with an individual break which saw him rouching down near the corner post.

But Wisbech, even with a man down, then pressurised March in the last few minutes of the half and eventually they gained a Penalty Try for repeat offences on the try line by the Bears

Within a few minutes the half time whistle went with the scores at Wisbech 7 v March  Bears 12.

The second half started like the main part of the first half with some fierce scrummaging and tackling by both sides but in the 60th minute an offside penalty was awarded to March which was belted over the posts by Sam Howat.

Four minutes later, another penalty offence was awarded by the referee this time mid way between the 22 metres and half way line but this did not daunt Howat who powered this penalty over as well .

The game was starting to run away from Wisbech, not helped by their indiscipline in the loose with the score with 10 minutes to go  now 7 v 18 in favour of the Bears

With five minutes to go, Wisbech at last capitalised on their weight advantage and with several crash ball attempts eventually went over towards the corner.

The score now was 12 v 18 which meant a difference between the teams of one converted try

But the Bears again pressurised Wisbech in their 22 who  gave away a penalty for failing to roll away.

Sam Howat with no nerves  put over the penalty to take the score away from a possible recovery by Wisbech and a few minutes later the final whistle went for an historic victory for March and a first league win of the season

Final Score: Wisbech 12 v 21 March Bears.