IT turned out to be a mixed weekend for March Cricket Club s first XI as a heavy defeat on Saturday was followed by a convincing win 24 hours later. The Tucker League Division One match at Histon on Saturday proved hugely disappointing as the March middle

IT turned out to be a mixed weekend for March Cricket Club's first XI as a heavy defeat on Saturday was followed by a convincing win 24 hours later.

The Tucker League Division One match at Histon on Saturday proved hugely disappointing as the March middle order was destroyed by Walker-Smith (5-46).

Opener Andrew Mills continued his great start to the season with a knock of 44 and only after resistance from tail-enders, Chris Ringham (33), Peter Hills (24) and John Gilson (17), March were eventually bowled out for 138.

Histon never really looked like missing out on reaching their target, despite two quick wickets from Chris Ringham and Stuart Mills, reducing the home side to 60-2.

However, Histon recovered and reached their target after 34.2 overs with eight wickets remaining.

The tables were turned in Sunday's Rutland League Division Two match against Perkins at the Avenue.

This time, March took control and superb team bowling from Chris Ringham (3-19), Rishi Brahmbhatt (3-43), Stuart Mills (2-28), Peter Hills (1-5) and Andrew Mills (1-13) reduced the visitors to 142 all out.

The home side had no problems reaching their target as once again Andrew Mills top scored with an excellent 67 not out. He was supported by James Hilliard (36) and Shardul Brahmbhatt (16 not out) as March cruised to their target.

- MARCH second XI struggled against Ely / Haddenham in their home friendly match on Saturday.

The visitors posted a good score of 221-7 with Brian Toombs standing out with bowling figures of 2-32.

It was not to be March's day with the bat and only Lewis Hilliard (46) got in to the runs as the home side were dismissed for 132.

The news was better for March IV who recorded a four-wicket victory in their home friendly against Downham III on Monday.

Stuart Fox (3-24) and Lewis Hilliard (2-2) were the chief wicket-takers as Downham scored 166-7.

Lewis Hilliard was also in good form at the crease as he scored 33 and with an excellent innings of 59 from Damien Hinson, March reached their target after 37.1 overs and with four wickets to spare.

- MARCH Cricket Club will be hosting a quiz night tonight (Friday) and all money raised will go towards the club's thriving youth section and a three-day cricket school to be held in August. The quiz, contested by teams of four, will start at 7.30pm in the pavilion and there is an entry fee of £5.

Anyone wishing to enter a team should contact Stephen Wallis on 01354 656590 or the club on 01354 652029. Alternatively visit the website at www.marchtowncricket.com

- WELNEY Croft lost out in their friendly match at Castor and Ailsworth on Saturday.

Top order batsmen Stephen Kent and Stuart Singleterry both looked set to make good scores but when Kent was caught in the slips for 14, and Singleterry retired hurt, the visitors struggled.

Sean Smyth and captain John Loveday produced a last-wicket stand of 29 but Welney were eventually dismissed for 116.

Having reduced the home side to 36-4 with good bowling from Goodger (2-37) and Birch (2-27), Welney looked in with a chance of getting a result but Castor recovered and reached their target with five wickets to spare.