WISBECH’S powerful batting line-up will come up against March’s in-form bowling attack on Saturday in what promises to be a classic Fen derby.
Both sides go into the clash on two-game winning runs - but it is hosts Wisbech who will be favourites.
James Williams’ second-placed side kept the pressure on Tucker Gardner Premier Division leaders Foxton with a 150-run crushing of Saffron Walden II on Saturday.
Once again it was ruthless batting that delivered Wisbech their win, as Gary Freear (57), Williams (55) and Jack Hastings (38 not out) helped them declare on 280-6.
Spinner Freear then sealed a magnificent all-round display by claiming 6-79 as Walden folded for 130 all out.
March were also victorious at the weekend - but it was their bowlers they had to thank. Captain and opening bowler Chris Ringham has been ruled out for the season with a broken finger but March covered for his absence in style.
Seamers Tyler Phillips (4-20), Callum Young (3-38), Josh Jackman (1-22) and spinner Ryan Meyer (2-27) combined to skittle reigning league champions Ramsey out for 122.
March’s top order again looked frail in reply as they limped to 33-5 but Matty Vail (37) and Ben Pyle (36 not out) produced their second successive match-winning partnership to see their side home.
• CHATTERIS lost their first game of the season as they slipped to second in Cambs Senior Division Two.
Ant Bamford (36), Matt Hollis (29) and Paul Foster (25) helped Chatteris post 133-9 away at promotion rivals Ely.
The hosts reached their target with two wickets and three overs to spare, despite a fantastic spell from Pete Munns who took 4-17 off 12 overs.
• DAVID Hodson and Andy Wright pushed themselves into contention for a first-team spot by inspiring March II to an 86-run win over Great Shelford.
Openers Hodson (84) and John Wallis (26) helped March reach 200-9 before Wright (5-21) and Toby Nulty (3-25) shot Shelford out for 114.
• WISBECH II fell 11 runs short of beating Burwell II.
Lyndon Waters (4-41) and Ivan Burgess (3-32) helped dismiss Burwell for 171 but knocks from Sam Albutt (46), Waters (24 not out) and Matt Pack (20 not out) were not enough to get Wisbech home.
• WIMBLINGTON’S batsmen smashed eight sixes as they ended rivals March III three-game winning run.
Oliver Fox (65), Matthew Day (45) and Ashley Irvine (39) bludgeoned Wimblington to 198-8 with Stuart Arnold (3-39) March’s most successful bowler.
Scott Welcher hit 47 in reply, but Adam Westwood took 5-47 to help dismiss March for 155.
• A FINE spell from Nick Drew couldn’t prevent Wisbech IV falling to a 74-run defeat against Witcham II.
Drew took 3-16 off his 10 overs as Witcham posted 184-9. Richard Harnwell top-scored with 23 as Wisbech reached 110 all out in reply.
• EXTRAS top-scored with 27 as March IV managed just 47 all out in a 35-run defeat to Somersham. Manuj Patel had earlier taken 4-13 as Somersham were bowled out for 82.
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