MARCH first team s hopes of promotion from Rutland League Division Two are as good as over after a narrow defeat on Saturday. There was also a poor defeat for Wisbech I but they are still in with a chance of promotion with just one game remaining. Fine bo

MARCH first team's hopes of promotion from Rutland League Division Two are as good as over after a narrow defeat on Saturday.

There was also a poor defeat for Wisbech I but they are still in with a chance of promotion with just one game remaining.

Fine bowling from Stuart Mills (3-31) put March in a good position in their home match against Nassington.

With Chris Ringham, Andrew Mills, Chris Peckett and Neil Alger also getting a wicket apiece, the visitors were limited to 176-7.

Making his first team debut, 14-year-old Connor Cunningham produced another excellent performance with the bat and led the March batting order with 46.

Rob Tombs (20), Andrew Mills (35) and Mathew Bamford (22) all made useful contributions but the home side finished just four runs short on 172-8.

Wisbech were unable to raise their game for the trip to promotion rivals Castor and Ailsworth.

The home side took advantage of loose bowling to reach a good total of 222-9. Matthew Parrin (2-36) and Martin McDowell (2-26) were the pick of the Wisbech bowlers.

The visitors were never in contention as wickets fell at regular intervals. James Williams (36) topped the scoring as Wisbech slumped to 131 all out.

Despite the defeat, Wisbech remain in second place and are still in with a chance of promotion.

Wisbech travel to Buckminster in their final game of the season on Sunday. March complete their campaign with the trip to lowly Ufford Park.

- MARCH II remain top of the Fenland Trophy thanks to another scintillating innings from Connor Cunningham.

The youngster made 117 before retiring in March's home game against Upwood on Sunday.

With Matthew Vail hitting 62 and Stuart Mills reaching 44, the home side set an imposing score of 267-5.

Upwood were unable to make an impression on their target as Richard West (3-22), Richard Green (2-5) and Andrew Stone (2-19) destroyed the batting order for just 85 runs.

- DODDINGTON also enjoyed a comfortable victory in the Fenland Trophy when they entertained Chatteris.

A mammoth 141 not out from James Harradine propelled the home side to a fine total of 232-5.

And excellent bowling wrapped-up a 107-run victory for Doddington. Dan Martell led the wicket-haul with 4-27 and he received support from Ivan Burgess (2-7).

Reeve (25) top-scored for Chatteris who were dismissed for 125 in 35 overs.