Wimbledon CC skipper Chris Benham hailed his bowlers’ fighting spirit after a 27-run win over Sunbury on Saturday.

The win keeps Wimbledon fifth in the Premier Division table, but it was a hard-fought affair on a wicket made for batting.

Benham hit an unbeaten 119 as Wimbledon’s carded 304-7 dec.

In reply, Sunbury were skittled for 277 in the 48th over, thanks in part to Darren Hooey’s 4-59.

Benham said: “We’ve not had the most productive start to the season so it was great to get the win over Sunbury, a side who will be there or thereabouts come the end.

“The weather, the short boundaries and fast outfield meant the conditions were perfect for batting.

“The bowlers stuck in really well, and with Hiran Marambe getting the key wickets of Adam London and David Nash, it gave us a base.

“But Neil Turk and Darren Hooey were great at the end when someone had to hold their hand up and do the hard work.”

He added: “In the dressing room afterwards we said it was great to show that kind of fighting spirit.”

Wimbledon go to Leatherhead this weekend, before trips to Sutton and leaders Reigate Priory.

Benham said: “We are starting to get a settled side now, and although Reigate are a long way ahead, if we can go there on the back of straight wins at Leatherhead and Sutton, then we’ll be in fine form.

“The fact that Reigate have had no abandoned games is no cause for consternation, I am sure we’ve had that advantage at some time before.”