1st XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

MacDonald's Five-Wicket Haul Leads Sulhamstead to Comfortable Victory Over Sonning

Doug MacDonald produced a devastating bowling display, claiming 5 for 22, as Sulhamstead & Ufton defeated Sonning by 6 wickets in their Thames Valley Cricket League Division 2B encounter at Jack's Booth Ground on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to field, the home side's decision was immediately vindicated as Sonning struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. Peter Dean (15) provided initial resistance before falling to MacDonald, who went on to dismantle the Sonning batting lineup with a combination of accuracy and movement.

Karanvir Panesar offered excellent support, returning figures of 3 for 12 from his six overs, including two crucial maidens. The Sonning batsmen found scoring difficult throughout, with extras (21) making a significant contribution to their total of 103 all out from 32.1 overs.

Only Ramish Ahmed (17 not out) and Oliver Rowe (17) showed prolonged resistance for Sonning, putting together a valuable last-wicket partnership of 37 runs. This stand, the highest of the innings, lifted Sonning from a precarious 66 for 9 to a more respectable total, providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

In response, Sulhamstead openers Phillip Walden and captain Marc Thompson immediately took control of the chase with an impressive 89-run opening partnership. Walden struck seven boundaries in his 42, while Thompson contributed a well-crafted 36 that included four fours and two sixes.

Bobby Malik provided a late spark for Sonning by claiming 2 for 3 from his 2.3 overs, including the wickets of Thompson and Stuart Hornby, while Zahid Mohammed picked up Tim Benham for 7. Despite these breakthroughs, Sulhamstead completed the chase comfortably, reaching their target in just 18.3 overs with six wickets in hand.

The defeat leaves Sonning looking for improvements in their batting department, where only two players reached double figures. Meanwhile, Sulhamstead will be encouraged by their comprehensive performance and the destructive bowling partnership of MacDonald and Panesar, which ultimately proved the difference between the sides.