Sunday 1s vs Chiswick

Longridge and Astwood Shine as Sonning Draw with Chiswick in Sunday Friendly

Michael Longridge's commanding 90 and a solid 52 from Charles Astwood helped Sonning Sunday 1s set a challenging total of 268-9 in a drawn friendly match against Chiswick at Riverside Drive Sports Ground. Despite Sonning setting an imposing target after winning the toss, Chiswick's resilient batting display led by Naveed Malik's unbeaten 59 saw the hosts finish on 220-8 from their 41 overs.

Sonning's innings was built around a magnificent 163-run opening partnership between Longridge and Astwood. Longridge was particularly aggressive, striking 14 boundaries and a six in his 65-ball knock, while Astwood provided the perfect foil, accumulating a patient 52 from 74 deliveries before retiring not out. Their partnership set the foundation for what would become a formidable total.

After Longridge's dismissal to Henry Husband, who finished with impressive figures of 5-40, Sonning's middle order maintained the momentum. Robert Jones provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 57 from just 36 balls, including nine boundaries and a six. For Chiswick, Husband was the standout bowler, while Naveed Malik (2-37) and Glayson Baptiste (2-26) offered valuable support.

Chasing 269 for victory, Chiswick made a promising start as Steve Brookes (29) and Lewin Husband (16) put on 45 for the first wicket. However, two quick wickets from James Douglas Davis (2-26) checked their progress. Matt Morse struggled to get going, making just 5 from 31 balls before falling lbw to Aahaan Sharma, who impressed with figures of 3-38.

Naveed Malik anchored Chiswick's innings with a resilient 59 not out, finding support from Sam Hall who contributed 29. The pair added 61 for the eighth wicket, giving Chiswick hope of an unlikely victory. However, when Hall was bowled by Daniel Longridge (2-42), the chase lost momentum as Henry Husband (0 not out from 6 balls) couldn't maintain the required scoring rate in the closing overs.

Sonning's bowling was disciplined throughout, with Sharma leading the attack superbly. Daniel Longridge bowled with excellent control in his 11-over spell, while Richard Draper chipped in with 1-25. A significant 28 byes contributed to Chiswick's total of 50 extras, the highest in the match.

The result marked a competitive end to an entertaining Sunday friendly, with both teams showcasing moments of quality. Michael Longridge's near-century and Robert Jones' explosive half-century highlighted Sonning's batting depth, while Naveed Malik's determined innings and Henry Husband's five-wicket haul were the standout performances for the hosts.