CCA Senior League Division 2 It was a second defeat in succession for City of Ely I as they went down by five wickets to Old Leysians.
Batting first at the Paradise Centre, Ely lost opener Paul Henman early on, caught and bowled by Ali Gordon, but made a steady recovery led by top order batsmen Phil Scherb (21) and Jonny Wallace (23).
But the pair, along with number four Thomas Beaumont, were dismissed before they could make a significant impact.
In-form Ed Aniskowicz added some much-needed impetus to the innings, however, posting an undefeated 58 to anchor the innings for Ely in the middle order.
And lower order batsmen Richard Vinsett, who made 23, proved an excellent foil in the tail. At the close of the innings, Ely had reached a commendable 159-7.
Leysians Adam Newman led the bowling for the visitors, taking 3-38.
Opener Dante O’Reilly (3) was first to fall in Ely’s reply with the ball, and hopes of a swift victory were raised when number three Luke Pendlebury was bowled by Mark Deas.
Paul Henman accounted for number four Mark Costin for a meagre 10 and suddenly Ely found themselves among the middle order.
But it was here that they come unstuck, however, as number five Ali Gordon arrived at the crease and hit 60 to put Ely on the back foot. Gordon was ably supported by Ric Bently, who made 36, and Newman, undefeated on 28, to steer Leysians into a winning position.
Paul Henman (3-32) bowled superbly for Ely, with a wicket each for Deas and Vinsett, but it wasn’t to be as Leysians got home with five wickets in hand.
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