A DEPLETED March Town fell to their first Tucker Gardner league defeat of the season on Saturday - losing by three wickets to Sawston.

The first team were devastated by the last-minute withdrawal of all-rounder Jivan Lotay, who had starred with bat and ball in their first two games.

The off-spinner dropped out injured and the nightmare continued as opening batsman Rob Woolley was bowled off the third ball of the game.

Matt Wilcox (21), Rob Tombs (54) and Steve Hinson (31) made valuable contributions but March struggled to 151 all out.

Wilcox (3-25) and Tommy Howgego (2-15) tried to inspire a comeback with the ball but in-form Sawston batted sensibly, reaching their target with seven wickets down.

It was a better day for March II who announced their return to CCA Senior Division One by storming to a 19-run victory over Histon at The Avenue.

March set a competitive 185-7 with Rob Moden (52), David Haslegrave (31), Ben Pyle (24) and Stuart Mills (21) leading the way.

Histon, who finished third last year, started steadily before March’s spin twins Richard Green (3-39) and James Harradine (3-30) hit back. Seamer Mills wrapped up proceedings, taking 4-37 as the visitors were shot out for 166.

March III suffered a dismal one-wicket defeat to 10-man Longstanton II.

Nick Peck (31) and James Hilliard (23) helped March to 141 all out but Longstanton sneaked home thanks to 15-year-old opener Robert Salaman (43). Neil Alger took 4-26 for March.

An astonishing first-wicket partnership of 212 between Manuj Patel (113) and Lewis Hilliard (108) helped March IV to a 174-run victory over Histon III.

Sam Mason and stand-in skipper James Shepherd ensured Histon got nowhere near March’s 275-7, taking three wickets each as Histon limped to 101-8.

Rob Moden produced a sparkling knock of 96 not out to help March to their first victory of the season in Rutland League Division One on Sunday.

Moden struck 13 boundaries as March beat Stamford by 153 runs. Tyler Phillips (3-15) and Aussie Wilcox (2-15) led the way with the ball.

Meanwhile, the Sunday second team slumped to 96 all out in an 118-run loss to Somersham in the Fenland Trophy. Gary Nicholls (42) offered March’s only resistance.