The cricket season has returned in East Cambridgeshire – but the City of Ely will want to forget their first fixture in a hurry.
The local lads went down by seven wickets to a superior Wisbech Town 2nds side in the annual Fenland Invitation Trophy meeting at Harecroft Road.
Ely were dismissed for just 182, with the impressive Robin Rutter putting up a resistance of 71 before being bowled by Wisbech’s Joe Dunning.
Ely failed to make an impression with the ball too, with Ali Anthony’s marvellous knock of 103 pushing Wisbech to 188-3. Thomas Parker took two of those wickets for 26 runs.
The city side will hope to bounce back in their opening Cambs League Senior Division Three clash with Cottenham on Saturday.
In the same division, Fordham 2nds will be hoping for opening day success against Horseheath, as will Wilburton, who welcome Essex side Newport to The Piece on their return to the Senior divisions.
At the top of those divisions, Fordham will be hoping to get off to the perfect start with a win over Wisbech Town 2nds.
There’s also an action packed schedule in the Junior divisions, with Burwell 3rds travelling to Milton in Division One North.
Isleham entertain Cambridge Granta 3rds in the same division, while Littleport Town host Bluntisham and Sutton travel across Fenland to Terrington St. Clements.
In Division Two North, Little Downham take on Wimblington and in the division below, Witcham take a trip to Coton.
The local side playing at the highest level also failed to find a win on Saturday.
Burwell’s poor early form in the East Anglian Premier League continued with a sorry six wicket defeat to Swardeston.
Joseph Tetley’s men were sent packing for a meagre 104, with the skipper leading by example with a joint top-score of 25. His efforts were matched by Thomas Jagot.
Josh Arksey performed well with the ball, helping himself to 3-26, but his exploits couldn’t help Burwell skittle Swardeston out as the Norfolk side lost just four wickets on their way to 105.
Sam Rippington took the other wicket for Burwell, who will look to grab their first league win on their trip to Horsford on Saturday.
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