City of Ely 1st XI made it back to back titles on Saturday as they claimed the Senior 2 title with a game to spare thanks to victory at Cherry Hinton. With the uncharacteristically hot weather it was no surprise when Ely skipper Mike Sellers elected to bat after winning the toss.
Ely made a solid start thanks to 44 from opener Jonny Wallace who’s knock contained a number of his infamous square drives. He enjoyed a partnership of 69 with Ed Aniskowicz who also shared 50+ partnerships with Anil Ekanayake (76) and Owen Buxton (74) on his way to a score of 104. Buxton’s quick-fire 34 of 20 balls allowed Ely to finish on an excellent 277-9.
In reply, Ely got off to a good start thanks to a wicket from Chris Reay before Qaisar Mumtaz (54) and Rashid Mushtaq (28) countered attacked to bring Cherry Hinton right back into the game. A terrific catch from Jonny Wallace off the bowling of Chris Aniskowicz saw then end of Mushtaq. After Richard Vincett bowled Mumtaz Ely took wickets at regular intervals to seal the title. Vincett 2-16 and Dave Moller 4-18 were the pick of the bowlers.
A delighted Ely captain, Mike Sellers commented: “It was a great toss to win with the weather conditions and gave us a chance to put a good score on the board and apply pressure in the field. Great to get the job done and be able to enjoy the last game of the season.”
“Overall, it has been a tougher season, than last year, for the batsman and yet more often than not they have been great and scored more than enough. Bowlers have also taken the conditions and performed brilliantly, again. Another great season and fantastic team effort.”
Ely 2nd XI only require a couple of points from their final game to secure safety following a six point haul against the promoted Bottisham-Lode CC. Paul Henman top scored with 42 as Ely scored 161-8 off their 40 overs. Henry Olley was the pick of the Ely bowlers with 1-16 off 6 overs as Bottisham-Lode chased down their target with 6 wickets in hand.
Press release from City of Ely Cricket Club
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