Teenager Ben Chapman struck his maiden century for March Town last weekend - but ended up on the losing side as the club’s Sunday side lost for the first time this season in the second division of the Rutland League.

Teenager Ben Chapman struck his maiden century for March Town last weekend - but ended up on the losing side as the club’s Sunday side lost for the first time this season in the second division of the Rutland League.

The 18-year-old opening batsman cracked an unbeaten 104 on a day in which seven of his fellow batsmen were uncomfortable at the wicket as March finally totalled 211-9 in their two wicket defeat to Burghley Park.

Number 10 batsman Lewis Welcher made an invaluable 31, with vice-skipper Brandon Phillips notching 28.

But after the loss of four wickets, the home side made a match-winning fifth wicket stand of 147, with Shaz Akhter putting up March’s only real resistance with 3-45 in Burghley’s final total of 214-6.

Despite their defeat, March still sit at the league’s summit and can stretch their lead with a win over Uppingham Town on Sunday.

March’s first team showed great character and spirit to bowl themselves back into their match at Godmanchester in the Whitings Division One last Saturday, before rain eventually washed out play for the day.

Two wickets apiece for skipper Tyler Phillips and Chris Ringham made the scoreboard look more respectable at 46-4 than it had at tea when March were dismissed for 72 on a difficult wicket.

Things were going to plan for the visitors at 39-1, but wickets soon tumbled as the ball started to turn square.

Leading run-scorer Brandon Phillips was the sixth batsman out after the day’s top-score of 25. March did manage to pick up nine points for their efforts. March, who currently sit in the drop zone, will hope to climb the league standings with a victory over fellow strugglers Nassington tomorrow.

March 2nds’ clash with Barley at The Avenue also fell foul of the elements, with play called off in the Senior League Division Two match 13 overs after tea.

By then March were sitting precariously at 27-3, chasing the visitors’ total of 139 all out.

James Beresford helped himself to four early wickets on what was a two-paced track.

March travel to Old Leysians on Saturday.