4th XI vs Aldershot

Terry's Five-Wicket Haul Not Enough as Sonning 4ths Fall Short at Aldershot

Ollie Terry's impressive five-wicket haul wasn't enough to secure victory for Sonning 4th XI as they suffered a 38-run defeat against Aldershot at Aldershot Park on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning restricted their hosts to 151 all out, but could only muster 113 in reply.

Sonning's bowlers made good use of the conditions with Terry leading the attack superbly, claiming 5-19 from his 6.1 overs. The young bowler's impressive spell included the key wickets of John Summersby (23) and Purnachandra Rao Jagarlamudi (13), who had built a solid 44-run opening partnership. Captain Kabir Dave supported well with 2-12 from his seven overs, while Joe Donohue picked up 3-27.

Aldershot's innings was built around several modest contributions rather than a single dominant performance. Ranjith Karatha top-scored with 26, striking five boundaries before falling to Donohue, while Summersby showed patience with 23 from 65 deliveries. The home side's total was significantly boosted by 50 extras, including 23 byes, which ultimately proved decisive in the final outcome.

Sonning's reply got off to a disastrous start as they slumped to 18-5, with Andrew Shurlock doing the early damage. Opener Gaurav Jayan briefly looked promising with three boundaries in his 12, but Tariq Butt (2-21) and Shurlock (5-25) tore through the top order with disciplined bowling.

At 25-6, the match appeared to be heading for a swift conclusion before some lower-order resistance gave Sonning hope. Geethika Jyothis provided a brief counter-attack with 16 from just 13 balls, including four boundaries, while Joe Donohue top-scored with a determined 23.

Donohue and Arun Raghavendra (14) combined for the biggest partnership of the innings, adding 39 for the ninth wicket to frustrate the home side. However, Ethan Swinden (3-32) eventually broke through, dismissing both batsmen to wrap up a comfortable win for Aldershot.

The defeat leaves Sonning looking to regroup before their next Division 10B fixture, while Aldershot will be pleased with their all-round performance, particularly Shurlock's five-wicket haul that proved the difference between the sides.