4th XI vs Bradfield

Sonning 4th XI Secure Nail-Biting Victory with Clinical Bowling Display

Sonning 4th XI claimed a thrilling one-wicket victory over Bradfield in their Division 10A clash at Englefield CC on Saturday. After captain Charles Astwood won the toss and elected to field, Sonning's disciplined bowling attack dismantled the Bradfield batting lineup, dismissing them for just 130 runs.

Jason Bowler set the tone early for Sonning with an economical spell of 2-11 from his eight overs, removing Jack Hedley and Alex McKenzie with precision. Ali Ansari proved the standout bowler, taking 3-10 from his eight overs, while Adnan Syed matched his wicket tally with 3-36. Muhammad Habil and Nandan Sant also contributed with a wicket each.

Bradfield's batting struggled throughout with only captain David Brown offering significant resistance, top-scoring with 24 runs before becoming Sant's victim. Rich Lafford remained unbeaten on 13, but the regular fall of wickets meant Bradfield could only reach 130 all out from 37.2 overs, their total boosted by a generous 47 extras.

Sonning's chase began positively with captain Charles Astwood scoring 27, but Matt Shailes' impressive bowling (3-25) created regular inroads for Bradfield. Henry Cook emerged as Sonning's batting hero, contributing a vital 35 runs before falling to Joe Van Der Merwe, who finished with 2-15 from his five overs.

The match remained in the balance as Oli Armstrong (2-12) struck twice in quick succession, leaving Sonning precariously placed. With wickets falling regularly, the tension mounted as the visitors edged closer to their target.

Adnan Syed (5 not out) and Jason Bowler (5 not out) held their nerve in the closing stages, guiding Sonning to victory with 131-9 from 29 overs. The win was a testament to Sonning's resilience and bowling strength, overcoming a nervous batting display to secure valuable league points.

The result moves Sonning 4th XI up the Division 10A table, rewarding their excellent bowling performance and character shown during a challenging run chase that could have gone either way until the final moments.