March Bears are celebrating a remarkable turnaround after roaring to title glory - just four years after facing an uncertain future.
They have captured the Eastern Counties Greene King Division Two West crown during a stunning season in which they have won all nine league games to date.
Bears sealed the title in spectacular style beating Shelford 4th 110-10 earlier this month and are now on the verge of completing a perfect season. March welcome basement side Sawston to the Fens on February 4 for their final league outing.
Captain and long-time club member James Knight has revealed there are big plans for the future as Bears look to build on a record-breaking season.
“Four years ago the club nearly folded, so it’s incredible to be where we are today,” he said.
“It’s been a difficult few years for grassroots rugby and a few local sides have been lost, so it’s good to have something to celebrate and the future is looking bright as well.
“This season is the best the cub hs ever had. It is unbelievable to have won the league and to be one game away from finishing with a 100 per cent record.
“There are lots of people who have all played a part in getting to this point and we want to keep growing. We’re looking to go into a different league next year as we want a new challenge.
“We’re also really keen to be a real community club, starting by growing our youth set-up.”
Bears recorded a 29-0 victory over Mildenhall & Red Lodge in their penultimate league game of the season last Saturday. Ed Cribbons, Kris Feaviour, Bash Porter, Costa Lewis and skipper Knight all scored tries.
And Knight believes that the club’s success on the pitch stems from a feelgood factor off it.
He added: “We have got a really good social setup at the club. We are a community club - a family club - and that’s one of the secrets to our success.
“There is a real buzz about the club and it really helps us to attract players and put a good squad together to enable us to compete.
“We couldn’t do it without our team of volunteers, the committee and our sponsors, and we are all really committed to pushing the club on, including renovating our clubhouse.”
March open up their Cambridgeshire County Cup campiagn tomorrow when they visit Cantabs 3rds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here