The rivers, canal and drains provide opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. As early as 1868 students from Cambridge were paddling along the River Ouse to King's Lynn and around the coast to Wisbech via the River Nene and paadling along the canal to the Ouse to return to the university.. One of the earliest records of the sport of cricket in the area is to a local match. "On Monday 4 June next a Cricket Match will be play’d on March Common, in the Isle of Ely, between the Gentlemen of March and the Gentlemen of Wisbeach, Eleven of a Side, for five Pounds a Man, when it is expected there will be a very numerous Meeting of the best Fashion." Northampton Mercury, 28 May 1744. In 1850 the club had a newly laid out ground on Mr.Shepherd's field in Gaol-Lane. The club membership included Lord Burghley. A Wisbech 22 hosted the 'All-England' eleven on tour in 1851 and 1853. In the first match Nicholas Felix's notes describe William Caffyn being knocked senseless with a ball in the eye, causing him to retire. A painting of the match shows the Octagon church in the background. The eleven captained by William Clarke (cricketer) scored 93 and 83, the home side  68 and 49, the eleven winning by 61 runs. County sides played matches in Wisbech from the 19th century, a Cambridge v Yorkshire match took place in 1867. Stamford and Wisbech were once famous for their annual Bull-running through the streets. The practice was abolished at the end of the 18th century. Cycling has long been a popular organised activity in the area, Wisbech Bicycle Club was formed in 1878 and offered a wide range of competitions. Wisbech Wheelers was formed in 1924. The Wisbech and District Motorcycle Club dates back to 1955, and since those early days its nickname has been the Fen Tigers. Greyhound Racing took place at the Wisbech Greyhound Stadium until its demolition in 2007. Stock car racing also took place until the stadium closure. The town had a number of sides in the 19th century and there was fierce rivalry between Walsoken Victory and Wisbech. Wisbech Nene Rovers held Cambridge Swifts in the inaugural final of the Cambridgeshire Junior Cup in March 1898 played in Cambridge. In the same year Wisbech met Irthlingborough in a replay of the 1-1 Hinchingbrooke Cup competition final, Wisbech lost the replay 5–0.