1st XI v Farnham Royal 2nd Team

Sonning welcomed Farnham Royal looking to continue their recent good form and cement their place near the top of the table. On a good looking wicket, Farnham were immediately under pressure form Abbas and wade Johnston. The slow run rate, together with a trickle of wickets meant that when Harvey Grout replaced Abbas, Farnham were looking for quick runs. However Grout bowled with pace and prodigious swing taking 5 for 22 in 8 overs . With Johnston bowling 20.3 overs straight through to take 3 for 57, it meant Farnham were all out for 122, which could have been even less if chances had been taken.

Mark Richards was in a belligerent mood when the Sonning innings started. He charged down the wicket to the first ball and just smashed everything in sight. When he is in this mood, it is almost impossible to bowl to him, and with his uncanny ability to count to 6 and steal the bowling with a single at the end of the over he reached his century just before finishing the match in the 16th over. He finished on 104 while skipper Philips totalled a well crafted 11!!

To be honest this game was a mismatch, but the win was very important in Sonning’s promotion push. 4 games left and 4 wins will see promotion attained.

JJ Harris