CCA Senior Division Two Ely/Haddenham 189 Thriplow 190-7 Thriplow won by three wickets ELY suffered defeat in their first full competitive match of the season despite a valiant innings from John Peacock and James Tilbrook. Peacock hit 48 and Tilbrook 80

CCA Senior Division Two

Ely/Haddenham 189 Thriplow 190-7

Thriplow won by three wickets

ELY suffered defeat in their first full competitive match of the season despite a valiant innings from John Peacock and James Tilbrook.

Peacock hit 48 and Tilbrook 80 as Ely recovered from a horrific start to post a respectable 189 on a still-damp wicket.

This was not enough, however, as Thriplow won with three wickets to spare.

"It was a bad toss to lose," said stand-in captain Mark Abbott, who stepped into the breach for the absent Ben Travers.

"The wicket was still a little bit damp from all the rain we've had but it dried out later in the afternoon, making it easier for Thriplow to bat on."

The dampness in the pitch showed, the slow, low wicket accounting for four early wickets as Ely struggled to 11-4. Peacock and Tilbrook injected some much-needed steadiness into the innings, sharing a century partnership by being watchful but taking advantage of any loose deliveries when the chance came.

"They were very patient but they put the bad ball away," said Abbott. "We didn't really apply ourselves when we batted and the rustiness showed.

"It's a shame because they weren't a great side. John and Jamie were the only people who got us out of a hole, really. The wicket was slow and the ball wasn't really there to hit."

Abbott played on through the pain of a knee injury and the Ely XI was weakened somewhat by the absences of all-rounder Travers and stalwart batsman Bruce King.

There was a positive, however, in the performance of bowler Robin Hammerton. The medium-pacer, playing his first match for Ely, took four wickets with his disciplined display, finishing with 4-33 off 12 overs. He also contributed 20 runs coming in at number 10.

"He bowled line and length and performed really well," said Abbott, who himself took a wicket, along with Rich Vincett and Ollie Lucraft.

"We just need to get the rustiness out of our system and get back to what we do best - batting and bowling well. We've just got to apply ourselves a bit more."

Ely welcome Newton to the Paradise Centre on Saturday and Abbott added: "Hopefully, the good weather will have dried out the pitch and it will be faster than the one we played on on Saturday.