WITCHAM suffered a double blow at the weekend as both their first and second teams suffered defeats. The first team fell 12 runs short of victory after a spirited fight at Somersham while the second team came closer still as they lost out to March III by

WITCHAM suffered a double blow at the weekend as both their first and second teams suffered defeats.

The first team fell 12 runs short of victory after a spirited fight at Somersham while the second team came closer still as they lost out to March III by just three runs.

Somersham opted to bat first in their match-up with the first team and some consistent batting throughout the order saw them clock up 194-7 from their 40 overs. Ian Housden was the pick of the bowlers for Witcham with 3-22 from his miserly 10 over spell.

For the third week in succession opener Nigel Pate was given out LBW, but on this occasion he ensured his stay at the crease was a productive one with a solid knock of 53 kick-starting his season.

Pate was ably supported by Cooper whose unbeaten knock of 73 kept Witcham in with a sniff off victory throughout, though their chances were hindered somewhat by the belligerent bowling of S Rippington who took 3-32.

The second team meanwhile, started their match at home to March at a furious pace and soon had the visitors in trouble thanks, largely, to the bowling of Phillips who picked up 5-18 from his seven terror-inducing overs.

Needing a paltry 2.2 an over for victory, Witcham set off at a furious pace and more than useful scores of 28 and 27 from Ian Saberton and Graham Ralphs looked to have guided the home side to victory.

That is until the intervention of paceman John West who dashed all hope of victory with an irresistible eight over spell that saw him claim six damaging wickets, ultimately securing the home side the narrowest of victories.