Game 13 against Cambridgeshire at March

The 25th of June saw us travelling to March Town in Cambridgeshire. March used to be a market town on the Isle of Ely. The area was once surrounded by fens (marshes).

The game was hosted by March Town Cricket Club, established in 1880.

The Australian players underwent their stretching and other exercises before the game.

Australia batted first and after 45 overs had made 6 for 278. Phil Drescher opened the batting and soon retired at 51. He was joined by John Dedman and Greg Quinn. It was a good batting performance. Ian Southall and Robin opened the bowling but it was when Brian Scott joined Robin as a bowler that wickets began to fall. Brian taking 2 wickets for 14 runs and Robin taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in their 9 over stint. Greg Quinn also took 2 wickets. Cambridgeshire was dismissed in the 42nd over for 119.

Before the game began I had discussed the image on club sign with one of the club members who told me how to locate the remains of the market cross a short distance from the grounds.

During the afternoon the Wags went to explore Ely, a cathedral city, not far away.

There are many old buildings in Ely.

There is also the Oliver Cromwell Museum to visit if you wish.

I also found this garden and associated buildings dating back to the 15th century.

But it is the cathedral that is the main building in the city.

A monastery has been on the Isle of Ely in the fens since the 600s. Church buildings on the site have been destroyed and rebuilt over many centuries. Work on the present cathedral began in the 11th century with the building gaining cathedral status in 1109. Henry VII dissolved the monastery in 1539 but the building, although there was some damage, was not destroyed. The building became a cathedral again in 1541. The town has since grown up around the cathedral.

The cathedral is impressive from any angle.

The surrounding buildings are also impressive.

Back at the ground after the game we all helped John Stackpoole celebrate his birthday.