CAMBRIDGESHIRE captain Gary Freear knocked 78 as Wisbech drew their annual curtain-raiser with the world famous Marylebone Cricket Club. Wisbech were on 176-9 after 53 overs of their second innings and chasing a 264 target, when time ran out and the matc

CAMBRIDGESHIRE captain Gary Freear knocked 78 as Wisbech drew their annual curtain-raiser with the world famous Marylebone Cricket Club.

Wisbech were on 176-9 after 53 overs of their second innings and chasing a 264 target, when time ran out and the match was declared a draw.

Wisbech's Paul Strickle (8 not out) and Craig Johnson (0 not out) batted out the last six overs of the match.

Freear's score was topped by the visiting side's A Cade, who scored 103 (not out).

Both scores were recorded in the second innings of the two-day match, played at Harecroft Road on Wednesday and Thursday last week.

Freear's brother, Simon, opened the second innings with 38 and No. 2 David Woods scored 21.

Wisbech went into the second day trailing by 24 runs with one first innings wicket in tact after the MCC declared their first innings on 141-8.

Strickle, Gary Freear and Craig Johnson took two wickets each while James Williams and Adam Hodgson both took one.

Wisbech replied with 117-9.

Woods was Wisbech's top scorer in the first innings with 34 and support came from Keith Jakings (32) and Sam Darlow (20).

Cade's century and a 58 from C Mear saw the MCC to an impressive 239-4 declared off 58 overs at the end of the second innings, leaving Wisbech with a target of 264 to win.

Wisbech then claimed a four-wicket victory in a friendly match with North Runcton on Saturday.

Williams and Chris Clark took three wickets each as the Norfolk side were all out for 106.

And the Freear brothers did the damage with the bat as Gary hit 29 not out and Simon reached 21 to help Wisbech score 107-6.