Wisbech Town maintained top spot in the Tucker Gardner league ... but they once again had to do it the hard way.

They looked in complete control at the half way point of Saturday’s clash with basement side Warboys, having restricted them to 145-9 dec.

Tom Meyrick was the pick of the bowlers with 4-32, while Sam Rippington, an injury doubt, claimed 2-17.

But, in reply, not for the first time this season, the Wisbech top order didn’t fire. Josh Bowers made 24 but several batsmen fell cheaply and Wisbech found themselves 76-5.

It fell on the shoulders of captain Gary Freear (29 no), assisted by Meyrick (20) and Jamie Gollands (22), to see Wisbech home.

They remain just two points ahead of nearest challengers Godmanchester. Up next is an away day at second bottom Saffron Walden.

Freear said: “We bowled really well again but we batted poorly against an ok attack. They are bottom of the league so we should be winning easier than that.

“I never thought we were going to lose the game but it’s frustrating that people are not scoring the runs they should.

“Tom Meyrick bowled very well and his 20 was important. He hits the ball so hard it takes the pressure of the batsman at the other end.

“Saffron Walden is going to be hard. It’s an extremely good pitch so it will not be easy to get them out. If we win the toss we will bat first and look to put a big score on the board.

“If they win the toss they’ll bat first and we’ll need to make sure we are prepared for a decent chase.”

The table-topping seconds continued their march towards the CCA Senior League II title with a 104 run win over Barley.

Wisbech II batted first and made 219-8. In reply, Barley were dismissed for 115.

Wisbech III were skittled out for 99 and lost by seven wickets to Wilburton, while Wisbech IV, after making 105, lost by six wickets to Histon III.