Witham Cricket Club captain Jake Wakelin wants his players to treat today’s home game against leaders Wivenhoe as just the same as any other Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one fixture.

An eight-wicket success at Worlington saw Witham bounce back from the disappointment of a defeat by Coggeshall and kept them up among the division one title favourites.

Having finished second last season, Witham know it can be important to perform well against rival sides, such as Wivenhoe, in the title race. However, Wakelin knows it’s not a make-or-break encounter and wants his players to treat it as they would against any other side in the top flight.

He said: “It’s a big game for both clubs as they are unbeaten and we’re really looking forward to it.

“However, there are still 13 games to go in the season after this game.

“People may see it as a game that’s vital to win if either of us want to win the title, but we finished second last year and lost four times so we know it’s not the be-all and end-all.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league so we have to treat it as we would any other game.

“We know they are a good side, but we know we are as well so we can’t fear it.”

Wakelin said he expected to be able to name a strong line-up for the clash against Wivenhoe at the Park.