1st XI vs Binfield

Dean's Defiant 66 Not Enough as Binfield Secure Victory

Binfield CC secured a five-wicket victory against Sonning CC's 1st XI in their Division 2B Thames Valley Cricket League encounter at FWE Goates Memorial Ground on Saturday. Despite a resilient batting display led by Sonning captain Peter Dean, Binfield successfully chased down their target with 12 overs to spare.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Binfield's bowlers applied early pressure, removing opener Mannu Rawat for just 4 runs. Dean anchored the Sonning innings with a determined 66 from 128 deliveries, including five boundaries, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Mohammed Zahid departed for 2, while Indeveer Sahota (14) looked promising before being run out following a 37-run partnership with Dean.

Bobby Malik provided valuable middle-order support with a patient 21 from 48 balls, building another 37-run partnership with his captain. Oliver Rowe added a quick-fire 12, including a six, before Binfield's Thomas Nower completed an impressive bowling performance, finishing with figures of 3-39 from his 9.2 overs. Further contributions from Michael Longridge (13) helped Sonning reach 155 all out in the final over.

Binfield's bowling attack maintained consistent pressure throughout, with Jack Collett (1-16 from 9 overs) and Grant Celliers (1-25 from 10 overs) providing excellent control. Simon Cowley (1-34) and Chris Bullett (1-7) also claimed wickets as the Sonning innings never fully gained momentum despite Dean's resistance.

Sonning started brightly with the ball, Charley Phillips striking early to remove Daniel Humphrey for a duck. When Grant Celliers was run out for 9 through sharp work from wicketkeeper Oliver Rowe, Binfield found themselves at 20-2. The visitors sensed an opportunity when Bobby Malik had Isaac Humphrey caught by Duncan Parr for 25, reducing Binfield to 56-3.

However, Chris Morgan's composed 51 not out proved decisive for the hosts. His partnership of 74 with Akash Arnold (37) swung the match firmly in Binfield's favor. Mohammed Zahid gave Sonning brief hope with two quick wickets, dismissing Arnold and Shaun Miller in succession, but the damage had been done. Thomas Nower (10 not out) joined Morgan to guide Binfield home at 149-5, completing a successful chase with plenty of overs remaining.

The result sees Binfield claim 22 points from the win, while Sonning take 7 bonus points – 4 for batting and 3 for bowling – in what proved to be a competitive contest to conclude their league campaign.