Hilliard and Hinson set the platform for March II win but firsts sink deeper into the relegation mire

A magnificent opening partnership of 154 set up a convincing 139-run win for March II - only their third of the season in CCA Senior League Division One.

James Hilliard hit 75 and leading run-scorer Steve Hinson 62, as March racked up an impressive 261-2 at The Avenue against Cottenham.

Hilliard smashed 13 boundaries, including one ‘six’, while Hinson reached 500 Saturday runs for the season.

Skipper John Wallis remained unbeaten on 55 for his highest score of the campaign and Steve Coe was 37 not out.

In reply, the visitors could only muster 122 all out, with off-spinner Richard Green claiming 5-26.

He was backed by 15-year-old left-armer Tehan Schaffter, who is on holiday from Sri Lanka. He took 3-37, with Adrian Bussey picking up 2-7.

But March’s first team find themselves even deeper in trouble after they lost by 10 wickets at Foxton.

Matty Vail (50) scored almost half March’s runs as they were dismissed for 116. David Hodson (14) and Ben Pyle (12) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures. It was a chastening experience for March as the Foxton openers knocked off the runs.

With just four Tucker Gardner league games remaining, March, who occupy the second relegation spot, are 16 points adrift of Waresley.

Up next is a daunting looking home Fen derby clash with Wisbech, who are right in the title hunt. Waresley have a far easier looking fixture, hosting basement side Warboys.

Back to back wins against Willingham have kept March III’s prospects of promotion from CCA Junior League Division 3N alive.

A four wicket win came up with five balls remaining and takes the team up into third place.

The hosts only lost three wickets on their way to a 129 total, despite excellent bowling figures from Manuj Patel (10-4-15-1) and off-spinner Stuart Fox (10-2-36-1).

Skipper Anthony Henson was March’s top-scorer with 25 runs, followed by Josh Watson (23) and Lewis Welcher (21).