1st XI vs Cookham Dean

Ayub and Zahid Power Sonning to Commanding Victory at Ricketts Field

Sonning CC 1st XI produced a complete team performance to secure a convincing victory over Cookham Dean in their Division 2A clash at Ricketts Field. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sonning posted a competitive 197 all out, before bowling out the hosts for 153 to seal the win.

Muhammad Ayub led the way with the bat for Sonning, striking a rapid 72 from just 63 deliveries, including nine boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive innings provided the backbone of Sonning's total, while Mohammed Zahid contributed a well-constructed 50 from 79 balls. The pair combined for a crucial 92-run second-wicket partnership that put Sonning in a commanding position.

Cookham Dean's Bayly Stawiarz proved to be the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4-35 from his eight overs, while Finn Reid chipped in with 3-35. Despite their efforts, Sonning's total of 197 looked formidable on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers throughout.

In reply, Cookham Dean struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sonning bowling attack. Sohil Mangat top-scored with 27, while captain Greg Davis added a quickfire 26 from 23 balls, including three fours and a six. However, regular wickets meant the home side was always behind the required rate.

Daniel Longridge and captain Peter Higginbottom shared eight wickets between them, with both claiming impressive figures of 4-21 and 4-31 respectively. Longridge's spell was particularly noteworthy, containing four maidens in his ten overs as he maintained relentless pressure on the Cookham Dean batsmen.

A late resistance from Jake Lawson (22 not out) and James le Fleming (20) added some respectability to the scorecard with a 51-run tenth-wicket partnership, but Michael Longridge broke the stand by removing le Fleming to seal Sonning's victory.

The win was built on Sonning's ability to construct substantial partnerships with the bat, while their bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths throughout the Cookham Dean innings, never allowing the opposition to gain a foothold in the chase.