U11 Sharks v Purley on Thames Under 11

Oscar Williams Stars with Bat and Ball as U11 Sharks Cruise to Comprehensive Victory

Sonning U11 Sharks produced a dominant all-round display to defeat Purley on Thames in their BYCL Under 11 Challenge (Tier 1) North West fixture on 1st June 2025. Captain Jonathan Turner won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fully justified as the Sharks' bowlers restricted the visitors before their batters chased down the target with considerable ease.

Purley on Thames, batting first, found runs difficult to come by against a disciplined Sonning attack. Harvey Mortimer top-scored for the visitors with 11 from 13 balls, the only batter to reach double figures apart from Christian Alderson, who contributed 9 from 16 deliveries lower down the order. Dmitri Fernando added 7, but no other Purley batter could build any meaningful momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. The visitors were bowled out for 81 from their 20 overs, losing 9 wickets in the process.

The Sharks shared the bowling duties effectively across seven bowlers, with every member of the attack contributing. Shaurya Gore produced the most economical spell of the day, returning outstanding figures of 2-6 from his three overs, conceding no wides — a remarkable achievement at this age group. Captain Turner matched Gore's two-wicket haul, finishing with 2-10 from three overs, while Oscar Williams set the tone early with 1-9 from three tidy overs at the top of the innings.

Vivaan Ramesh was another standout with the ball, claiming 1-10 from three overs including a maiden — the only bowler on either side to achieve one in the match. Oliver Baker and George Davies each chipped in with a wicket apiece to round off a thoroughly professional bowling performance.

The Sharks' reply was emphatic. Oscar Williams, having already impressed with the ball, produced a superb batting display at the top of the order, smashing 40 from just 30 balls with six boundaries. His aggressive intent set the tone from the first over and ensured Sonning were always well ahead of the required rate. Vivaan Ramesh provided excellent support with 18 from 21 balls, including two fours, as the opening pair laid the foundation for the run chase.

The contributions continued through the middle order. Savraj Sall made 15 from 20 balls, while Turner added a brisk 13 from 13 deliveries, underlining his value to the side with both bat and ball. Jacob Garner struck a four in his 8 from 10 balls, and Shaurya Gore completed a fine personal match with 7 from 13 balls. The Sharks reached 155-3 from their 20 overs, winning by a commanding margin of 74 runs.

Purley's bowlers struggled for consistency, conceding 50 extras in total, including 38 wides. Only Finlay Cook managed to take a wicket among their frontline bowlers, finishing with 1-10 from two overs, while Harry Smalley claimed two late scalps but proved expensive, conceding 21 runs from his two overs. Christian Alderson was the most economical of the Purley attack, going for 11 from two overs without a wide.

The result sees Sonning U11 Sharks collect the full 20 league points, with Williams's outstanding all-round contribution of 40 runs and 1-9 with the ball earning him the plaudits on a day when the Sharks fired on all cylinders.