Last season Wisbech were in a different league to March Town - and 12 months on there’s still no change as the visitors recorded a crushing 163-run victory on Saturday in the Whitings & Partners Division One.
The gulf between the two teams was clear as the visitors stormed to 287-8 from their 50 overs. Wisbech skipper Gary Freear struck his third ton of the season (109) having survived two dropped chances before he had scored 20.
He figured in an opening stand of 142 with Danny Haynes (40) before March eventually bowled themselves back into the match with Chris Ringham picking up the wickets of the top three batsmen in his second spell.
Andy Wright claimed two wickets as the runs came thick and fast but Sam Albutt’s 56 and 31 from Jamie Gollands fired the hosts to an impressive win.
What March required was a start similar to the previous week at St Ives but what they got left a lot to be desired. The top four all went inside the first six overs with a combination of loose shots and good catching.
Skipper Tyler Phillips (37) and James Hilliard (40) hit their way out of trouble, but once their fifth wicket flourish of 82 runs ended, the home side were shot out for a sorry 124. March travel to Ketton on Saturday (12.30pm).
March’s second side were involved in a high-scoring match away to Buntingford - but lost out by 28 runs in CCA Senior Division Two.
The visitors leaked 125 during the final 15 overs as Buntingford finished on 242-4.
In reply James Harradine (48) and Steve Hinson (42) were the main run-scorers in the March total of 214-9, with Sam Clarke weighing in with an unbeaten 24 at number nine.
The seconds host Cambourne this weekend.
In the Rutland League, March’s Sunday skipper Andy Wright came within five runs of a maiden club ton as his team continue to dominate in the second division - their latest victims Whittlesey, who lost by 60 runs at The Avenue.
Wright (95) and Spencer Saberton (75no) shared in a fifth wicket stand of 151 in their 276-5 total.
Ben Chapman continued his excellent form with a run-a-ball 55 at the top of the order. Whittlesey produced a spirited reply of 216-7, with Adam Conyard taking 4-40.
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