4th XI vs Kew

Sonning's Middle Order Collapses as Kew Claim Victory at Waingels College

Sonning 4th XI fell to a comprehensive defeat against Kew in their Thames Valley Cricket League Division 10A clash at Waingels College on Saturday. After restricting Kew to 164-9 from their 40 overs, Sonning's batting faltered as they were dismissed for just 99 in 33 overs.

Winning the toss, Sonning captain Kabir Dave elected to field first, a decision that initially paid dividends as the bowling unit maintained disciplined lines. Toby Fitton led the attack with impressive figures of 2-16 from his eight overs, including two maidens. Ollie Terry also claimed 2-10 in a miserly five-over spell that included a maiden.

Kew's innings never gained sustained momentum, though several batsmen made useful contributions. Tom Rippin anchored the middle order with a patient 22 from 61 deliveries, while Rahul Kalia provided acceleration with a brisk 24 including two sixes. Sunil Chandrasekaran (21) and Rahul Ravindaran (20) also made valuable contributions as Kew's total was significantly boosted by 45 extras, including 27 wides.

The 36-run partnership between Rippin and Kalia proved vital for Kew in the middle overs, followed by a stubborn 32-run stand between Rippin and Rajiv Shukla that helped push the visitors to a competitive total. Each of Sonning's seven bowlers claimed at least one wicket in a well-distributed bowling effort.

In response, Sonning's chase began with promise as opener Stephen Jones and Kavya Panchal established a solid 36-run platform. Jones battled admirably throughout the innings, compiling a determined 37 from 77 balls, but received little support from his teammates as wickets fell regularly at the other end.

The pivotal moment came when Kew's Saroj Routray sparked a middle-order collapse with four quick wickets. His dismissals of Kavya Panchal (14), Syed Adnan (3), Kabir Dave (11) and Toby Fitton (0) devastated Sonning's batting lineup. Rex Jacob matched Routray's four-wicket haul, claiming 4-24 from his eight overs including two maidens.

Moksha Suriarachchi briefly threatened with 13 from 13 balls including two boundaries, but once Jones was finally dismissed with the score at 90, Sonning's lower order offered little resistance. The home side eventually succumbed to 99 all out, handing Kew a comfortable 65-run victory.