Wisbech claimed Fenland derby honours when beating local rivals March in a dramatic Cambs & Hunts Premier League clash last Saturday.

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech fielders appeal to get March captain Tyler Phillips dismissed. Picture: IAN CARTERWisbech fielders appeal to get March captain Tyler Phillips dismissed. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

Gary Freear’s men scraped to a one-wicket success in the Whiting & Partners Division One showdown at The Avenue – hopping above their beaten hosts in the lower reaches of the standings in the process.

Runs were in predictably short supply from two teams who have struggled with the bat all season, but a single from last man Kieran Haynes allowed Wisbech to scramble to victory after they had earlier skittled March for just 112.

Wisbech captain Gary Freear said: “We bowled really well and batted poorly, but we still got maximum points so it could prove to a big result in the season.

“You could tell that both teams were lacking confidence and it was a case of limping over the line.

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech star Will Gowler completes the caught and bowled dismissal of March captain Tyler Phillips. Picture: IAN CARTERWisbech star Will Gowler completes the caught and bowled dismissal of March captain Tyler Phillips. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

“But it goes down as a second consecutive win and hopefully we’re now building some momentum and can continue that.”

The March top order was demolished by teenage Wisbech seamer Will Gowler before their tail was mopped up by veteran spinner Chris Clark.

The speedy 16 year-old Gowler helped himself to 4-31 while Clark claimed 5-25 with Ben Chapman (19) and Callum Young (18no) providing limited resistance for the hosts.

Wisbech looked set to cruise to victory with captain Freear’s innings of 30 – the best individual return on the day – laying solid foundations.

The visitors continued to make steady progress until losing four wickets for the addition of just six runs.

Another wicket fell with them two runs short of victory, but final pair Wian Pretorious and Haynes ensured they got across the line.

Freear added: “Will is very quick for his age and has done very well since coming into the first team a couple of weeks ago.

“He’s a very bright prospect and it was also great to see Chris claim his first five-wicket haul since starting playing again after a few seasons away.”

Saranga Rajaguru (3-27) and Andrew Wright (3-41) were the pick of the March bowlers, although the concession of 19 wides didn’t help their cause.

Wisbech go to struggling Waresley this Saturday, 12.30pm.

* Wisbech were beaten at Lincolnshire side Bourne in a Jaidka Cup semi-final on Wednesday night. They went down by 66 runs in the 20/20 competition after being dismissed for 144 while chasing the hosts’ hefty 220-2.