U11 Scorchers v Peppard Stoke Row Under 11 Maharajas

Vivaan Ramesh's Magnificent 65 Steers Scorchers to Commanding Victory at Peppard Common

Sonning U11 Scorchers produced a dominant batting display, led by an outstanding unbeaten 65 from Vivaan Ramesh, to defeat Peppard Stoke Row Under 11 Maharajas by 43 runs in their BYCL Under 11 T20 Blast West fixture at Peppard Common on Sunday.

Peppard Stoke Row won the toss and inserted the Scorchers, a decision that initially appeared shrewd as the hosts struck early. Opener Jude Alden fell without scoring in the second over, bowled by Ida Tomlinson, and when captain Oscar Williams departed for a duck to the same bowler, Sonning found themselves in deep trouble at 0 for 2. Massimo Elliott then removed Anay Patel for 3 and Heet Panchal for a golden duck in quick succession, leaving the visitors reeling at 14 for 4 with the innings in serious jeopardy.

It was at this point that Vivaan Ramesh, who had been watching wickets tumble from the non-striker's end, took control. The number two batter began to find the boundary with increasing regularity, striking nine fours during an innings of real composure and authority. He found a willing partner in Oliver Baker, who contributed a well-constructed 26 from 25 balls including two fours before retiring not out. Their partnership steadied the ship and shifted the momentum decisively in Sonning's favour.

The lower order continued to capitalise on the platform. Ridith Kandadi played a blistering cameo of 18 from just 10 deliveries, crashing four boundaries in a brief but destructive stay at the crease. George Davies then showed admirable resolve with an unbeaten 12 from 20 balls, ensuring the Scorchers batted out their full 20 overs. Ramesh finished unbeaten on 65 from 42 balls — a truly exceptional knock at this level — as Sonning posted an imposing 148 for 8, with 18 extras also boosting the total.

Chasing 149, Peppard Stoke Row made a promising start through Wilfred Tomlinson and Ida Tomlinson, who put on 41 for the second wicket after Massimo Elliott had been bowled by Vivaan Ramesh for 6. Ida Tomlinson struck three fours in an enterprising 22 before being dismissed by Anay Patel, while Wilfred Tomlinson compiled a patient 25 before retiring not out. Rex Kietz added a useful 16, but the required rate was always climbing.

The Scorchers' bowling attack shared the wickets effectively across the squad, with Ethan Cawsey the pick of the bowlers, returning outstanding figures of 2 for 3 from his two overs, including the scalps of Isaac Read and Hughie Moorcroft. Ridith Kandadi was equally miserly, conceding just 2 runs from two overs with a maiden, while also claiming the wicket of Evan Cuthbert-Brown. Jude Alden made amends for his earlier duck by bowling Bridget Moorcroft to finish with 1 for 10.

Despite Lucas Johnston's unbeaten 14 providing some late resistance, the Maharajas could only muster 105 for 6 from their 20 overs, falling well short of the target. The victory was built on Ramesh's exceptional individual performance with the bat and a disciplined collective bowling effort that never allowed the home side to build the sustained momentum they needed.