Reed began their 2021 season with a home friendly against the City Of Ely CC. Winning the toss on a sunny but cool day at The Green, Ed Wharton and Will Heslam opened the batting with Wharton in particular taking a liking to the Ely bowling. The 50 came up of just 40 balls and Wharton’s own fifty came up soon after, off just 36 balls. The offspin of Vincett removed Heslam for 14 and Wharton for a 46-ball 66. At 84 for 2, Ely were trying to get back into the game but a-run-a-ball 23 from skipper Tom Greaves kept the scoreboard ticking over but then his wicket and that of Rich Wharton at 127 for 4 had the game evenly poised. Rob Lankester was now playing the anchor role and when Marcus Martin fell for just 4, he and Jack Caine set about taking the score over 200. The 50 partnership came off 62 balls and Caine, now having overtaken Lankester, brought up his half-century off 45 balls. Lankester fell for a rugged 45 then Caine (55 not out) and Toby Fynn (7 not out) took Reed to 228 for 6 of their 40 overs.
After the break, Ely began their reply, however, the Reed opening attack of Ed Wharton (4-1-18-2) and Toby Fynn (5-2-20-2) made an immediate impact with two wickets each, plus a sharp slip catch by Tom Greaves left Ely at 25 for 4. Aniskowicz began the Cambridgeshire side’s recovery with a 30-ball 50; being particularly hard on newcomer Kapil. Kapil though managed to pull things back with two quick wickets and Matt Bowles (3-1-5-2) took Aniskowicz for 72 off just 54 balls. Ely could offer no more resistance and were dismissed for 128 in the 26th over. Kapil had figures of 7.4-0-46-4. A Reed victory by 100 runs and the best way to start the season.
Match Report submitted by Neil Haslam.
