Wisbech Town had an almightly scare before seeing off Warboys by 15 runs at Harecroft Road in their first Tucker Gardner league game of the season.

The hosts batted first but lost wickets at regular intervals - the highest partnership was 23 - and were dismissed for an under-par 132.

Top scorer was James Williams (42), while captain Gary Freear made 23. Wisbech’s last five wickets fell for 27 runs.

The hosts knew they needed early wickets, and new signing Paul Edgeller delivered. Edgeller took two scalps after Sam Rippington struck first to leave the visitors on 19-3.

But Warboys’ fourth wicket pair put on 64 to take them within 50 of the target. Kiwi spinner Tom Meyrick but the crucial breakthrough, then the visitors collapsed to 117 all out.

The wickets were shared between meyrick (3-26), Rippington (3-31), Edgeller (2-23) and Freear (2-12).

Freear said: “We batted very poorly - we got away with it. Our batsmen were good in the friendlies but as soon as the pressure came on, we fell to pieces. “Our opening bowlers set the tone with three early wickets but then there was a partnership and it looked like they were going to win.

“However, we didn’t give up, got a bit of luck and showed a ruthless streak at the end. It’s a good sign that we can perform that badly with the bat and win. We showed a lot of heart and fight.”

Up next for Wisbech is a home clash with promoted Saffron Walden II on Saturday.

Freear said: “It’s not going to be an easy game but it’s nice to be at home. Hopefully we can perform better with the bat.”