4th XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

McLoughlin Century Propels Sonning 4th XI to Commanding Victory

David McLoughlin's brilliant century provided the backbone of Sonning 4th XI's convincing win over Sulhamstead & Ufton in their Division 10A league clash at home. The hosts posted a formidable 226-6 before dismissing the visitors for just 87 to secure maximum points in their season opener.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Sonning made a solid start with captain Charles Astwood (14) and McLoughlin putting on 50 for the first wicket. Following Astwood's dismissal to Joshua Braithwaite, McLoughlin continued to build, despite losing Arun Raghavendra for a duck shortly afterward.

The innings gained significant momentum through a crucial 109-run third-wicket partnership between McLoughlin and Hugo Popplewell (34). McLoughlin brought up his century off 107 balls, eventually departing for 104, which included 14 boundaries. His knock was the cornerstone of Sonning's imposing total on a challenging early-season pitch.

Syed Naqi provided valuable lower-order impetus with an unbeaten 22, while Rahul Sood contributed a brisk 16 before falling in the closing overs. Joshua Braithwaite was the pick of the Sulhamstead attack, claiming 3-29 from his eight overs, with Daniel Braithwaite and George Ravenscroft taking one wicket apiece.

Defending 226, Sonning's bowlers made immediate inroads. Mike Eaton delivered a devastating spell, claiming 5-32 from his eight overs, consistently troubling the Sulhamstead batsmen with pace and movement. Rahul Sood provided excellent support with 2-12 from seven economical overs.

Matthew Cammish offered the only meaningful resistance for Sulhamstead, top-scoring with 32, while Joshua Braithwaite contributed 17 lower down the order. Their partnership of 40 for the eighth wicket briefly stemmed the flow of wickets, but proved insufficient against Sonning's disciplined bowling attack.

Arun Raghavendra sealed the comprehensive victory by taking the final two wickets, finishing with figures of 2-15, as Sulhamstead were dismissed for 87 in 27.3 overs, handing Sonning a 139-run win. Srikanthvarman Vallabhaneni also chipped in with 1-24 from his seven-over spell to complete a well-rounded bowling performance from the home side.