CAPTAIN James Williams said Wisbech Town had got their buzz back after his five-wicket haul inspired them to victory over St Ives.

Wisbech were left reeling this month when Australian star Adam Meads flew home injured without bowling a ball in the Tucker Gardner Premier Division.

But fears over a lack of firepower have been calmed by paceman Williams, who has taken 13 wickets in three games to push Wisbech up to fourth.

The skipper said: “We were a bit worried when Adam went home but the boys have stepped up well.

“I actually don’t think I’m bowling very well but it’s encouraging that I’m still taking wickets. Let’s hope I get some rhythm and do some real damage.

“I think this year we’ve got our buzz back. It’s there in the changing room and we’re confident in our cricket again.”

Williams, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury for most of last season, is even backing his troops for a surprise title challenge.

“We have got the squad to win it,” he said. “It’s just about whether we want it enough and whether we’re prepared to knuckle down.

“We went three years where we came second, third and then second again. Then last season we were awful.

“We want to get in the East Anglian Premier League. Gary (Freear) and I have always said we want to get Wisbech to the top.

“I have played first team cricket since I was 14 and to win the league, especially as skipper, would be brilliant. The boys definitely want it.”

It was Wisbech’s big guns that combined to deliver Saturday’s victory. Williams (5-50) was the chief destroyer as St Ives posted 162-8.

But vice-captain Freear’s knock of 60 was just as valuable as he combined with David Wood (50) to get Wisbech home with 13 balls to spare.

Williams added: “If you’ve got a close-knit side and a good team spirit you can do really well in this league.

“If we get a run of wins going, we’ll become very hard to stop.”

Wisbech travel to holders Ramsey tomorrow.