March Bears enjoyed a successful start to a special season last Saturday.

Cambs Times: Action from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTERAction from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

The local club celebrated their 50th anniversary this term and began on a successful note when seeing off fellow promoted side Ely 2nds 21-17 in their Eastern Counties Division One West opener.

March fell behind to an early Elhy try, but they soon transformed the contest as Will Penney touched down before Tinus Coetzer added a brace.

All three March scores were converted by the reliable boot of Ollie Mann, but the Bears had to survive a late onslaught from their visitors.

Ely 2nds grabbed two more unconverted tries to claw their way back into the contest, but Bears defended doggedly to remain ahead and claim victory.

Cambs Times: Action from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTERAction from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

Vice captain James Knight said: “The club has come such a long way since being on the brink of folding four years ago.

“We’ve really had to build up from scratch again and we had a wonderful time last season when winning the Division Two West title.

“Hopefully we can follow that up with another good season. It’s the first time we’ve been at this level in many years and the fact it’s our 50th anniversary makes it even more special.

“We feel we have the squad to compete and it was great to get off to a good start in a local derby.”

Cambs Times: Action from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTERAction from March Bears' victory against Ely 2nds in their opening game of the new season. Picture: IAN CARTER (Image: Archant)

The opening success against Ely extended March’s unbeaten record on home soil in league fixtures to two years.

It also provided a winning start to the reign of skipper Ben Pyle, who succeeded Knight in the summer.

March are back on home turf at Elm Road tomorrow when they entertain Shelford 3rds.

The club are also keen to welcome any prospective new players to training on Wednesday nights at Elm Road from 6.45 to 8.30pm.