1st XI vs Kidmore End

Longridge's Five-Wicket Haul Guides Sonning to Victory Over Kidmore End

Michael Longridge produced a match-winning bowling performance, claiming 5-16 in just 6.2 overs, as Sonning secured a 31-run victory over Kidmore End in their Division 2B clash at King George's Field on Saturday.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Sonning posted 159 all out, with William Hibberdine leading the way with an aggressive 44 from 49 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Mohammed Zahid provided valuable middle-order stability with a patient 38 from 73 balls, while Connor Wardlaw contributed 20 in a fourth-wicket partnership of 35 with Zahid that helped Sonning recover from 98-3.

Kidmore End's Atif Nasim was the pick of their bowling attack, returning figures of 4-54 from his 15 overs. His haul included the key wickets of Hibberdine, Zahid, and Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha. Vipin Taliyan provided excellent support with 2-47, while three run-outs in the latter stages of the innings prevented Sonning from posting a more substantial total.

In reply, Kidmore End struggled against a disciplined Sonning bowling attack. Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha struck early, removing opposition captain Manpreet Singh for just 5 and later adding the wickets of Ajinkya Gothoskar (20) and Ben Greenwood (1) to finish with impressive figures of 3-22 from his 10 overs.

Daniel Middleton offered the most resistance for Kidmore End, compiling a determined 31 from 66 deliveries before becoming Longridge's first victim. James Frost contributed 28, but once he fell to Adil Malik with the score at 95-6, Sonning sensed victory.

It was Longridge who took center stage in the closing stages, claiming 5-16 in a devastating spell that included the wickets of Middleton, Jake Leach, William Oliver, Craig Palmer, and Vipin Taliyan. His remarkable bowling performance ensured Kidmore End were dismissed for 128 in 42.2 overs, giving Sonning a well-deserved 31-run win.

Bobby Malik also made a significant contribution with the ball, claiming 1-24 from his 10 overs, as Sonning's bowlers maintained pressure throughout the second innings to secure the victory and valuable league points.