There was no false start at The Avenue on Saturday as March Town Cricket Club galloped home to a 77-run victory against Long Sutton on Grand National day.

Cambs Times: Debutant Spencer Saberton chipped in with 15 runs. PHOTO: Ian CarterDebutant Spencer Saberton chipped in with 15 runs. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

You would also have got favourable odds from the bookies on Mark Woodall scoring a half-century on his club debut. But that’s exactly what the ex-Wimblington batsman did with a measured unbeaten 61 against one of his former clubs.

Cambs Times: Brandon Phillips hit an impressive 63 before his dismissal. PHOTO: Ian CarterBrandon Phillips hit an impressive 63 before his dismissal. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Skipper Tyler Phillips’ younger brother Brandon top-scored with 63 in the March total of 189-6 in the 40-over annual friendly fixture.

Cambs Times: Mark Woodall in action. PHOTO: Ian CarterMark Woodall in action. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The backing scores came from opening batsman Nathan Oliver (18) and a second debutant Spencer Saberton (15).

Cambs Times: Spencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian CarterSpencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

The visitors replied with 112-7, with Stuart Mills (2-9) and Sam Clarke (2-25) the leading wicket-takers, on what was a remarkable start to the 2017 season.

Cambs Times: Spencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian CarterSpencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

March Town: 189-6, 40 overs (Brandon Phillips 63, Mark Woodall 61no, Nathan Oliver 18, Spencer Saberton 15), Long Sutton 112-7, 40 overs (Stuart Mills 2-9, Sam Clarke 2-25, Spencer Saberton 1-14, Steve Coe 1-37).

Cambs Times: Brandon Phillips. PHOTO: Ian CarterBrandon Phillips. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Mark Woodall. PHOTO: Ian CarterMark Woodall. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Spencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian CarterSpencer Saberton. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Brandon Phillips. PHOTO: Ian CarterBrandon Phillips. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Mark Woodall in action. PHOTO: Ian CarterMark Woodall in action. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)

Cambs Times: Brandon Phillips hit 63 as March Town secured a 77-run victory over Long Sutton in their pre-season friendly. PHOTO: Ian CarterBrandon Phillips hit 63 as March Town secured a 77-run victory over Long Sutton in their pre-season friendly. PHOTO: Ian Carter (Image: Archant)