BRAGGING rights were shared on Saturday after March and Wisbech traded blows in two fierce Fenland derbies at Harecroft Road.

March finished the happier of the two camps as the table-topping first team cruised to a six-wicket win - their first victory over Wisbech in several seasons.

But, on a second pitch just yards away, March III were skittled for 73 as Wisbech fought back to win the battle of the third teams by seven wickets.

March’s first team captain Chris Ringham said: “It was good having the games played next to each other - that doesn’t happen very often. At one point I took a wicket, only to turn around and watch my dad (Pat Ringham) get out!

“We always look forward to playing Wisbech and it’s probably the biggest game of the season for both sides - they’ve had the edge on us the last few years. There’s just an extra buzz in the team and this was a massive victory.

“People assume that we hate each other but a lot of us have been playing these games for years. We’re mates until about half an hour before the game.”

Ringham (3-37) combined with fellow seamer Matt Wilcox (3-34) to keep Wisbech’s powerful batsmen quiet, restricting them to 162 all out.

Shardul Brahmbhatt’s quickfire 71 saw March waltz to victory inside 30 overs, stretching their lead at the top of the Tucker Gardner Premier Division to 19 points.

Meanwhile, Daniel Mason (4-27) and Marty Parrin (3-11) were the chief destroyers for Wisbech III who piled more misery of struggling March III.

Wisbech captain John Mallett said: “March III did the double on us last year so it was good to get a bit of revenge. It’s a good friendly rivalry and there’s a lot of respect between the clubs.

“But it’s still good to beat them and it’s the result you want in your season. We often teach the youngsters that beating March is very important. It would’ve been a long night if both teams had lost to them.”