David Hodson’s fireworks proved in vain as March Town surrendered a strong position to lose by 38 runs to high flying Ramsey.

Batting first at the Avenue, Ramsey posted 236-9. Pick of the bowlers was Chris Ringham, who took 4-47. Ash Vodnala (2-35) and Tommy Howgego (2-57) were also in the wickets.

March’s chase got off to the perfect start, with Hodson and Vodnala (41) putting on 126 for the first wicket. Hodson smashed 86 off 48 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes. But once they went, there was little resistance from the rest of the batting line-up and March were dismissed for 198.

In another blow, fellow strugglers Saffron Walden, who occupy the last Tucker Gardner league relegation spot, picked up a win, meaning, with six games left, the gap between the two sides is a paltry six points.

Up next for March is a crucial away day at basement side Warboys, who beat them earlier this season.

Ringham said: “David Hodson batted really well. He got us in a good position. It’s a shame we couldn’t capitalise.

“We’ve been playing well and picking up some half decent bonus points but not as many wins as we should. Saffron Walden have now gone and picked up 25 points so they have momentum. We need to respond.

“Earlier this season we failed to chase down a relatively small total against Warboys, so we definitely owe them one.” March II fell to their seventh consecutive defeat, when they were comprehensively beaten by 10 wickets away to high-flying Fulbourn in CCA Senior League Division 1.

Steve Hinson made 42, and it was looking quite good at 118-4 with Nathan Oliver having made 26 and Richard Green 25.

Unfortunately, the final five batsmen could only muster a single run between them as the side were bowled out for 124.

That total took little getting for Fulbourn, who wrapped it up after 24 overs without losing a wicket.

A quickfire fourth wicket stand of 89 runs saw March III cruise to a seven wicket success at home to Willingham in CCA Junior League Division 3N.

Skipper Anthony Henson hit 11 boundaries during an unbeaten 58 and Manuj Patel smashed five sixes and five fours in his 57 not out.

That gave the home side a 157-3 winning score, having successfully chased down Willingham’s 155-8 off just 23.2 overs.

Matt Hubbard made a sensational return with figures of 5-29 off 10 overs in his first game of the season. He was backed by Patel’s 2-34.