Champions Wisbech and March kick off their Tucker Gardner League campaigns on Saturday.

Wisbech are away at Nassington while March, who will hope to improve on last season’s unsatisfactory 7th place finish, travel to Histon.

Both sides picked up confidence boosting friendly wins last Saturday.

Chris Budd once again made a half century as March beat Downham Town, who shocked Wisbech the precious week, at The Avenue.

Steve Seymour, coming in at number seven, made 39, and Ben Pyle chipped in with 19 as they reached 179-8 off 45 overs.

In reply, some excellent tight bowling saw Downham reduced to 30-5 off 20 overs.

Toby Nulty, bowling leg spin, took 3-10 as they dismissed for 107.

Brad Apted took 5-26 and Lyndon Waters picked up 3-3 as Wisbech bowled out Spalding for 158.

They made a shaky start to the chase but captain Gary Freear saw them home with an unbeaten 73, receiving good support from Jason Esser (33 not out).

Yesterday, Wisbech claimed bragging rights over March in the Rutland League season opener at The Avenue, winning by 151 runs.

March reduced Wisbech to 91-4 but Gareth Clingo (61) and Jamie Gollands (46) helped Wisbech set a commanding 254-8.

The hosts chase got off to the worst possible start with David Hodson caught behind off Brodie Ellis second ball.

Rob Moden (32) and Aussie Steve Shaw (22) put on 47 for the second wicket but March, despite Scott Welcher’s 22, lost eight wickets for 56 runs to be dismissed for 103.