Wright and Gilson save March Cricket Club from fifth straight loss

A HEROIC rearguard effort from Andy Wright and John Gilson saved March Town United from certain defeat against relegation threatened St Ives on Saturday.

The pair came together when March, chasing 157 to win, were floundering at 55-8.

Wright made a defiant unbeaten 57 and Gilson added 16 before number eleven Chris Ringham stood firm for the last five overs as March finished on 127-9, clinging on for a draw.

The result leaves them fifth in the Tucker Gardner League, two points clear of Castor and 13 points ahead of Sawston, who visit The Avenue tomorrow.

Ringham said: “At eight wickets down it was the same old story but Andy (Wright) and John (Gilson) batted really well and were scoring quickly, which was making St Ives worried.

“It was only when John fell with five overs to spare that we batted for a draw.

“Andy took most of the strike and I scored a chanceless one not out.”

Ringham was relieved to bring an end to a run of four consecutive defeats.

He said: “A few of their players came up to me afterwards in the bar and had a go, saying how could we celebrate a draw against relegation strugglers.

“But I thought, considering we were 55-8 and on a run of four straight losses, it felt like a victory.

“There was a good atmosphere in the changing room afterwards.”

Ringham says his side is determined to stop their slide down the table and finish the season strongly.

He said: “We are very motivated for the Sawston game. We don’t want to drop down to eighth or ninth in the table. We want to finish as high as possible.

“We finish the league campaign with difficult games against Wisbech and Foxton so it is important that we hit some form and get the win.”