City of Ely 1st XI continued their unbeaten start to the season with a third victory in as many games. Batting first, Ely’s top six all threatened to make a telling contribution. However, every time a partnership looked to be well set, Horseheath were able to break through and prevent a big score from developing. This meant that Tom Beaumont top scored with 42, with notable support from Chris Aniskowicz (35) and Ben Cross (32). The batsmen would be frustrated that none of them went on to make the sort of imposing score that would have set up a large total. The lower order was then fairly quickly dismissed leaving Ely with 202 all out, probably slightly under par for the conditions. For Horseheath, Chris Curtis impressed with his 3 for 34.
With work to be done, Ely’s bowlers were impressive from the start, with Chris Reay picking up two early wickets to peg Horseheath back. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Richard Vincett picking up another three, and the returning Louis Cook also helping himself to three. Only Robert Ketteridge held up the victory charge but when he was last man out for 44, the margin of victory was 91 runs. Of the ten wickets that fell, nine were caught as the fielders backed up the excellent work of the bowlers.
Captain Michael Sellers praised his fielders saying he felt, “the difference between the two teams was our catching. Our fielders were exceptional today. The bowlers put the ball in very good areas and created a lot of chances so it was very pleasing to see these taken”.
It was a less successful day for the 2nd XI who fell to Wisbech. A disappointing batting display led to Ely being dismissed for just 75. Hope was restored when James Cullingworth (3 for 15) and Paul Henman (2 for 10) blew away the top order. Unfortunately though, with time on their side, Wisbech were able to reach their target with 4 wickets remaining, thus ending Ely’s unbeaten start to the season.
It is only the 1st XI in action this coming week, as they take on Histon at the Paradise Centre looking to continue their 100% start.
Press release form City of Ely Cricket Club
