A depleted squad failed to dampen March Bears after they cruised to weekend victory.

Opponents Thorney scored three tries to go 19-0 up on Saturday, before March, who were missing nine regular players, replied with a try of their own.

But first-half dominance paid for as the visitors clawed back to 19-10 having been unfazed from an earlier mistake near the posts.

That momentum continued into the second half as two tries made it 22-19 in favour of the Bears, before the hosts replied once more to retake the lead.

Cambs Times: March Bears in action against Thorney ahead of the new league season.March Bears in action against Thorney ahead of the new league season. (Image: March Bears Rugby Club)

However, four more tries in the space of 20 minutes proved pivotal to help put March into the ascendancy towards a 44-26 victory.

It was a team mixed with experience with youth which triumphed, despite recording a 25 per cent conversion rate during the match.

Cambs Times: March Bears in action against Thorney ahead of the new league season.March Bears in action against Thorney ahead of the new league season. (Image: March Bears Rugby Club)

March begin their Eastern Counties Division Two West campaign against St Neots 2nds at Elm Road on Saturday, October 2, 3pm.