Chris Budd top scored on his March Town debut as they cruised to an 108 run win in their first pre-season friendly of the season.

Cambs Times: March cricket v Long Sutton. Picture: Steve Williams.March cricket v Long Sutton. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Budd, who made 63, put on 107 for the first wicket with David Hodson (51) as March posted 206-3 off 40 overs.

Cambs Times: March cricket v Long Sutton. Steve Shaw unleashes a cut. Picture: Steve Williams.March cricket v Long Sutton. Steve Shaw unleashes a cut. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

James Harradine smashed 51 off 21 balls and Aussie debutant Steve Shaw made 22.

In reply, Long Sutton were skittled out for 98, with Stuart Mills (3-13) and Shaw (2-16) the leading bowlers.

Captain Chris Ringham said: “It was quite comfortable. It was nice to get 200 in the first game of the season.

“David Hodson and Chris Budd will be our likely opening partnership this season so it was good to see them get half centuries.

“James Harradine came in and smashed the ball and Steve Shaw batted well for the team before he got out trying to push up the run rate.

“It was good for him to take a couple of wickets to ease the pressure on him.

“I was very pleased with the performance. As you would expect with the first game of the season, there is room for improvement, but I was happy with the players’ attitude.”

March’s next friendly is at home to Downham Town on Saturday before they take on Wisbech in their first Rutland League game of the season on Sunday.

Downham Town beat Wisbech by 19 runs in a friendly on Sunday.

Gary Freear took 3-16 to help restrict Downham to 166-9.

In reply, Wisbech looked dead and buried at 82-8 but Gareth Clingo’s 50 got them back in the game before they were bowled out for 147.