City of Ely 2nd XI captain Richard Lee led from the front with an unbeaten century as Ely saw off the challenge of Cambridge CC by 39 runs to remain unbeaten. Lee’s innings provided the backbone of the innings and he received excellent support through the middle overs from Ellery Pullin (44) as Ely compiled a healthy total of 224 for 3 from their 40 overs. In response, the bowlers worked well as a unit, all chipping in with wickets and tight overs as Cambridge never really threatened the target, with only a late onslaught bringing the game as close as it ended.
The 1st XI made it two from two with another comprehensive victory, this time over Hardwick and Caldecote. Fielding first for the second week in a row, Ely were once again able to restrict the scoring opportunities of the opposition. Ollie Sellers, having rejoined the club this season from Wilburton, impressed in taking 3 wickets to set the tone for the innings while all bowlers were able to keep things tight, putting more pressure on the batsmen. Owen Buxton reaped the rewards of this, helping himself to 3 late wickets in an impressive bowling display from the visitors to restrict Hardwick and Caldecote to a total of just 158 all out. For the hosts, Anil Waduge showed the way with a patient 53 but received little support from his teammates.
Despite losing Sellers early in the reply, Ely were always in control of the run chase and, after a nervous start, Ben Cross took the game away with an increasingly fluent 75. When Cross finally fell to Ruwan Pitigala (2 for 38), the game was all but won. Opener Jonny Wallace played the anchor role in support of Cross and finished unbeaten on 49, only the reaching of the target denying him a deserved half century. Ely cruised home by 7 wickets with over 18 overs still remaining.
Finally, the Sunday XI made it a clean sweep of victories with a comprehensive 8 wicket win over Buckden having bowled their opposition out for a remarkable 22!
All three sides are back in action this coming week as the 1st XI travel to Horseheath, the 2nd XI host Wisbech and the Sunday XI travel to Nassington as all three sides look to continue their unbeaten starts.
Press release from City of Ely Cricket Club
