CRICKET: Clarke comes to the ‘four’ as March snatch success from the final ball
Saranga Rajagaru appeals for a wicket during March's victory against Sawston & Babraham. Picture: IAN CARTER - Credit: Archant
Sam Clarke smashed the final ball for four to seal a dramatic Cambs & Hunts Premier League success for March Town last Saturday.
Shardul Brahmbhatt took two wickets and scored 44 for March. Picture: IAN CARTER - Credit: Archant
The local side pipped Sawston & Babraham by one wicket following Clarke’s vital contribution in a Whiting & Partners Division One thriller at The Avenue.
March had their visitors on the ropes early on at 31-3, but they recovered to post an imposing 242 with Andy Wright (3-51) the pick of the home bowlers.
A 96-run partnership for the third wicket between overseas player Saranga Rajagury and the returning Shardul Brahmbhatt aided March’s successful reply.
Saranga hit his best league score of the season when making 70 while Brahmbhatt reached 44 after missing the previous four games.
Spencer Saberton sends down a delivery during March's victory against Sawston & Babraham. Picture: IAN CARTER - Credit: Archant
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Youngsters Ben Chapman (23) and Curtis Oldroyd (21) then added valuable runs to move March to the brink of a fine success which was clinched by Clarke’s last-gasp blast.
“It was a nailbiter,” admitted March skipper Tyler Phillips. “And it is great to finally have a close game go our way.
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“We’ve been really unlucky at times this season. We missed out in really tight clashes against Godmanchester and Wisbech, so it’s nice to get over the line.
“We allowed Sawston & Babraham to get a score which was a little bit above par, but guys like Saranga and Shardul came to the fore with the bat to keep us in the game.
“The younger guys then finished the job and it is always a great feeling to win off the last ball.
March currently sit ninth – third-bottom - in the standings but have a good opportunity to further improve their position when travelling to second-bottom Waresley this Saturday.
“The top three teams in the league may end up getting away from the rest, but otherwise it is wide open,” said Phillips.
“We’re looking to finish in that next group from fourth to eighth and there’s no reason why we can’t do that.”
Two March Town batsmen celebrated centuries last Saturday.
Nathan Oliver hit 109 for the 2nds in their Cambs Senior League Division Two defeat at Royston while James Mortlock starred with 124 as the 3rds beat Abbots Ripton in Division Three North of the Cambs Junior League.
