Cricket CCA Division 2A

MARCH Town reinvigorated their promotion bid with an impressive 51-run win over high-flyers Sutton on Saturday.

Matthew Hubbard’s side suffered throughout June and July with a series of disappointing losses and cancellations but a recent boost in form as seen them pick up two wins in their last three outings, adding much-needed impetus to their campaign.

The victory moves them up into fifth place in Division 2A, within sight of the top two, albeit with the season heading towards its climax.

Opting to bat first, March were put under intense pressure early in the innings as Sutton’s dynamic young bowling attack used the new ball to maximum effect.

Opener Andrew Bryan posted 26 at the top of the order but a couple of failures among his colleagues had nerves jangling.

Middle-order stalwarts Pat Ringham (32), James Stimpson (24) restored some order to the innings before number six Toby Nulty unleashed a tirade against the Sutton bowlers, smashing 11 boundaries on his way to an undefeated 73.

Sutton’s Ren Barnard took 2-27 and Ryan Bowles 2-39 but they were unable to stop March from posting an excellent 199-5 at the close.

Early wickets were crucial for March if they were to disrupt Sutton’s run chase and that is just what they managed as Greg Short and Nulty struck early to remove both Sutton openers for ducks.

Number four Lloyd Brown (41) proved a real obstruction in the middle order but his was almost a lone crusade as Short (3-27) and Hubbard (3-48) worked well in tandem.

A remarkable late cameo from number 11 James Nuttall (40*) threatened briefly to scuppers March’s procession to victory, but they weren’t to be denied as Stuart Fox (2-49) chipped in to mop up the innings and the win.

March III will be in action again on August 25 when they take on Needingworth.