Captain Matt Lavender is hopeful the good times can return to Warboys following a first win of the season.

Lavender’s men thumped Newborough 2nds by a staggering 281 runs in Division Three of the Hunts League last Saturday.

Warboys piled up a monster 308-7 with Liam Gaynor (85) and Adam Hyde (72no) starring. Josh England also hit a first half-century when contributing 59.

Left-arm medium pacer James Bartram then took centre stage with the ball, producing figures of 5-3 as Warboys dismissed their visitors for 27 in just 16.1 overs.

And Lavender hopes the victory could provide the springboard for a promotion challenge as Warboys bid to climb the local cricketing ladder following their demise at Cambs & Hunts Premier League after two relegations in three seasons which ultimately led to their first team folding. Their 2nds used to play at this level, but they now operate just one Saturday side.

“It was a good performance and nice to get the first win of the season on the board,” said Lavender. “It’s been a very difficult couple of years for the club and hopefully we can now challenge for promotion.

“We’ve got a few lads who were in the first team in the past and a couple of improving youngsters coming through.”

Bartram certainly wasn’t the only man to produce sparkling bowling figures in the Hunts League last weekend. In fact another Warboys player starred with the ball the following day when their 2nds also bagged a first win of the campaign.

Chris Newton claimed 5-15 in the 46-run triumph against Buckden in Division Five. It was a contest which also featured an unbeaten 65 from Warboys 2nds wicket-keeper Jake Moore.

Buckden had fared considerably better the previous day when continuing their unbeaten start to life in Division One.

Richard Harris returned the fine figures of 6-18 in an 11-run victory against Peterborough side Orton Park. Buckden successfully defended their posting of 185-8. Jon Mews (46) and Jonny Kay (40) contributed well with the bat.

Two Brampton players claimed four wickets as they recorded a second successive Division Four victory.

Nick Long (4-14) and Robert Jarvis (4-21) provided the platform for a seven-wicket triumph at Blunham 3rds as the hosts were dismissed for 114. Skipper Stuart Henderson then took charge with the bat when piling up an unbeaten 67.

Paul Swannell shone with bat and ball as Godmanchester Town 2nds beat Upwood in an all-local Division Two clash.

Swannell, a former first-team captain, followed up an innings of 82 (which helped his side to 175) by snaring 4-23 (as Upwood were removed for 135 in reply).

The most dramatic finish of the day was also at that level as Alconbury sneaked to a one-wicket success at Blunham 2nds.