1st XI vs Sulhamstead & Ufton

Phillips and Higginbottom Star as Sonning Secure Victory Against Sulhamstead

Sonning CC 1st XI secured a convincing victory against Sulhamstead & Ufton in their Division 2B league clash at Jack's Booth Ground on Saturday. After posting 181 all out, Sonning's bowlers dismantled the home side for just 109 to claim a valuable win.

Batting first after losing the toss, Sonning's innings was anchored by Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha who struck a commanding 52 from 60 deliveries, including eight boundaries and a six. Captain Peter Higginbottom (22) and Connor Wardlaw (20) made useful contributions at the top of the order, while the remainder of the batting struggled against a disciplined Sulhamstead attack led by captain Marc Thompson, who claimed an impressive 4-20 including a hat-trick in his seven-over spell.

Kwatsha's partnership of 57 with Sam Haselgrove (18) proved crucial in lifting Sonning to a competitive total after they had been reduced to 81-4. Despite Thompson's late heroics with the ball, Ella Phillips (7*) helped the visitors reach 181 before they were bowled out in the final over of their innings.

In reply, Sulhamstead's Mubarak Tahir offered resistance with a well-constructed 35, while Alex Davidson provided a brief counterattack with 27 from just 23 balls. However, the Sonning bowling attack proved too strong, with Phillips delivering an outstanding performance, claiming 5-38 from her 9.2 overs.

Higginbottom complemented Phillips' efforts perfectly, taking 4-21 in a miserly nine-over spell that included three maidens. The duo systematically dismantled Sulhamstead's batting lineup, with only three home batsmen reaching double figures. When Phillips trapped Rehaan Samdani lbw in the 29th over, Sonning had wrapped up a comprehensive victory, bowling out the hosts for just 109.