2nd XI vs Shinfield

Sonning Triumph in Low-Scoring Affair at King George's Field

Sonning's 2nd XI secured a hard-fought 18-run victory over Shinfield in their Division 5B league fixture at King George's Field on Saturday. After being asked to bat first, Sonning posted 156-7 in their allotted 25 overs before dismissing the visitors for 138 to claim the win.

The foundation of Sonning's innings was built by Duncan Parr, who crafted a patient 41 from 49 deliveries. Parr anchored the early stages alongside David Coutts (10) before forming a crucial 56-run partnership with Raoul Harding, who contributed a brisk 13 including one six. Wicketkeeper Ankit Sharma provided valuable middle-order impetus with 34 from 32 balls, striking three boundaries in the process.

Late cameos from John Rimmer (14 from 8 balls with a six) and captain Robert Mosley (13 not out) helped Sonning accelerate in the closing overs. Shinfield's bowling attack was led by Pawan Tyagi and Bikash Gurung, who claimed two wickets apiece, while Bishal Bohara chipped in with one.

In reply, Shinfield's chase began cautiously before John Rimmer made early inroads for Sonning, removing opener Bikash Gurung for 11 and Bishal Bohara for 6 to reduce the visitors to 34-3. Sai Nagavarapu (17) and Siddharth Shetty (22) steadied the innings with a 32-run stand for the fourth wicket before both fell to disciplined Sonning bowling.

Santhosh Kundar emerged as Shinfield's top scorer with a defiant 35 from 32 deliveries, but lacked substantial support as wickets continued to fall. His dismissal, stumped by Ankit Sharma off Adil Malik's bowling with the score at 130-9, effectively sealed Shinfield's fate.

Duncan Parr was the pick of Sonning's attack, returning impressive figures of 3-25 from his five overs. He received excellent support from John Rimmer (2-10) and Adil Malik (2-34), while Hatib Khan and Aadil Khan claimed a wicket each to complete a well-rounded bowling performance.

The victory was ultimately secured through Sonning's superior all-round display, with their disciplined bowling attack defending a competitive total despite Shinfield's determined chase. The result moves Sonning up the Division 5B table as they continue their 2025 campaign.