ST Ives Town stunned TuckerGardner Premier One leaders Foxton on Saturday by fighting back from almost certain defeat after the Cambridge side had set them a target of 228 declared.

But with a young team, and with former captain Steven Smith standing in for the missing skipper Matt Durrant and deputy Bevin Moynan, the visitors got over an early stumble to reach their target for a brilliant four wicket win.

“The fact that we had a young team made it all the sweeter,” said Smith. “It was a very exciting game.”

Foxton declared their innings after 44 overs with 228 on the board for the loss of nine wickets – and with their bowlers considered their strength, it looked gloomy for St Ives when they were 59 for five.

But a sixth wicket stand of 133 from the outstanding Chris Rogers (54) and Ryan Withers (107 not out) changed things drastically and the final runs were knock off my Robert Setchell.

“It was both Chris and Ryan’s top scores and the first time Chris has hit a 50 and Ryan a century,” said Smith, who believes the team are in a false position in the table.

Fourth after the win, St Ives are behind Foxton, Wisbech and Sawston – but the stand-in captain said: “We have won all of our away games so far so we need to improve on our home form. But with have three games against teams lower down the table now so we should be able to get amongst the top teams.”

Godmanchester were all out for 95 in March who reached 96 for the loss of seven wickets to take all 20 points.

On a wicket that favoured the bowlers, Goddy were first up and none of their batsmen could manage a knock of more than 20.

Indeed, Goddy were struggling at 33 for four with the opening March bowlers taking two wickets each.

Captain Matt Pateman looked to be settling in well after that but skied a simple shot and was caught for 17. At No 8 Paul Jefferson hit an entertaining 16 before becoming the fourth victim of for March’s vteran wicketkeeper John Gilson.

Callum Young claimed four wickets as he and Ryan Meyer mopped up the tailenders.

Jefferson claimed three March wickets in his fourth over to decimate the home side’s top order as they limped to 33 for five. However, Matt Vail (33) stopped the rot and he was joined by Ben Pyle. Together, they added 57 for the sixth wicket and when Vail was out his side only needed six to win. Pyle hit those runs with a boundary to finish on 32 not out.

Ramsey lost their match against Caister & Ailsworth after being bowled out for just 62. Only James Markland (13) and Simon Cafferkey (12) made double figures for the team and Ciaster made light work of their reply for the loss of just five wickets. NEEDINGWORTH’S reformed second team acheived its first win of the season on Saturday with a 59-run victory at Wilburton.

After being put in to bat on a difficult pitch, the Cambs Junior League Minor League side were struggling after losing early wickets until the experienced duo of John Ashman (pictured on his way to 17 not out) and Alan Phillips (33) built a partnership to guide the team to 109 all out off 38 overs.

The Wilburton reply was never given chance to get going as youngsters Jamie Neve (4-19), Joah Phillips (3-3) and George Smith (2-11) bowled with accuracy and hostility to dismiss their opposition for just 50.

Needingworth’s first team’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a disapointing defeat at home to March III.

Opting to bowl first, Needingworth started well reducing March to 49 four with Joe Morris (4-36) leading the way. March recovered thanks to a 69 from Scott Welcher and were able to post 180 despite Ian Medlicott’s three for 23.

In response, after a bright start, the home team were unable to build any partnerships, with Mark Sirot-Smith (27) and Ian Armstrong (26) the only batsmen breaking into the 20s. After their dismisals, Needingworth were eventually all out for 111.