Ryan Vale produced a career-best performance as Eaton Socon 2nds scraped past Ramsey 2nds in a Hunts League thriller.

The Hunts Post: Alex Marsh on his way to a half-century for Buckden against Bharat Sports. Picture: DUNCAN LAMONTAlex Marsh on his way to a half-century for Buckden against Bharat Sports. Picture: DUNCAN LAMONT (Image: Archant)

Seamer Vale ripped through the home order to finish with stunning figures of 6-16 as Ramsey 2nds were dismissed for just 54 in the Division One contest.

But Eaton Socon 2nds made extremely hard work of surpassing a particularly modest total with Vale eventually joining captain Matt Taylor to secure a two-wicket triumph.

Ramsey pair Jon Cade (4-17) and Vince Woodward (4-25) both impressed with the ball in a game which became much closer than appeared likely.

Buckden suffered a first defeat since being promoted into Division One when pipped by Bharat Sports by three wickets.

Alex Marsh (58) and Tom Agass (38) were the only Buckden batsmen to make it into double-figures as their side were dismissed for 132.

Jon Mews then bagged 3-19 but it wasn’t enough to stop the Peterborough-based visitors from prevailing.

Houghton & Wyton saw their tough introduction to top-flight cricket continue when brushed aside by 10 wickets in a top-versus-bottom clash at Newborough.

Dan Godward produced the best figures of his career to help Alconbury to Division Two success.

Godward claimed 5-28 in a six-wicket victory against a Barnack side who were removed for 116.

Upwood breezed past Sawtry by eight wickets in a clash of two promoted sides to register their first win at Division Two level.

Captain Dave Atkinson (36) and Hayden Bream (23) were the only Sawtry men to manage double-figures as their side was dismissed for 83. David Drage (31no) carried his bat though the Upwood reply.

Godmanchester Town 2nds were pipped by one wicket in a dramatic clash at Ickwell. Harry Rai (34 and 3-47) was their joint top-scorer (along with Rob Howells) and most successful bowler as they saw their posting of 184-9 eclipsed with nine balls to spare.

Waresley 2nds are still waiting for a first win after a 57-run reverse at Bigglewade. They were only able to trudge to 97-8 in reply to their hosts’ 154-9. Waresley man Rod Kerr took 4-33.

A promotion-winning rugby player helped Warboys to another dominant Division Three success.

Dan Malem, who spent his winter with Peterborough Lions with the oval ball, was back in his whites last Saturday.

He hit an unbeaten 35 as Warboys cruised to a nine-wicket win against Peterborough outfit Hampton 2nds after removing their hosts for just 68. Liam Gaynor bagged 3-1 and Josh England snared 3-15.

Another fine bowling feat helped the Eaton Socon Development side extend their perfect start to the Division Five season last Sunday.

Club president Terry Day spun his way to 5-18 - a first five-wicket haul in competitive cricket for the 40 year-old - in their six-wicket success at Houghton & Wyton.