HUNTS LEAGUE CRICKET: Marsh and Mews star as Buckden announce their top-flight arrival in style

Buckden made a smooth step up into Division One of the Hunts League with an impressive season-opening success.

The reigning Division Two champions announced their arrival in the top flight with a 79-run triumph against Burghley Park last Saturday.

Jon Mews delivered a stellar all-round display when following up a knock of 60 to help the locals post 230-9 – an effort which also featured a fine 92 from opener Alex Marsh.

Mews then delivered a 5-30 haul as the Stamford-based visitors were removed for 161. Matt Chester and Tom Agass also claimed a couple of wickets apiece.

But there was a tough start in Division One for fellow promoted side Houghton & Wyton, who crashed to a 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Hampton.

The Peterborough side needed only 16 overs to eclipse Houghton & Wyton’s posting of 147-7, which featured an unbeaten 37 from Ryan Drage.

Sawtry were another team to take a step up in their stride. The reigning Division Three champions made a successful start to life in Division Two by seeing off Godmanchester Town 2nds by 112 runs.

Ian Bonsall top-scored with an unbeaten 49 as Sawtry amassed 183-5 before skittling their visitors for just 71.

New skipper Dave Atkinson (3-5) and Brian Chapman (3-12) were impressive and economical in equal measure.

Fellow promoted side Upwood suffered a five-wicket reverse at the hands of Ickwell, while Neil Suckling’s smart all-round contribution of 31 and 3-29 couldn’t save Alconbury from a three-wicket loss to Biggleswade.

Relegated Waresley 2nds were also brushed aside by Blunham 2nds following a batting collapse in a five-wicket defeat.

Dan Cummins (68) and Ben Irish (31) combined for an opening stand of 89, but the 10-man side saw every wicket fall for the addition of just 45 runs to be dismissed for 134 – a tally the visitors had little trouble passing.

TJ Harding was a key man with ball and bat as Ramsey 3rds beat Newborough 2nds by three wickets in Division Three.

Harding (4-18) and Vince Woodward (4-14) skittled Newborough 2nds for 79 before Harding hit an unbeaten 32 to steer his side to victory.

Robert Jarvis’ fine return of 4-30 was not enough to prevent Brampton from suffering a losing start in Division Four. They went down by five wickets at Peterborough-based Adidda after being dismissed for 115.

Hemingford Park could muster only 70 as they were beaten by four wickets at Castor & Ailsworth 2nds in another low-scoring clash at that level.