Sunday As vs Penn Street

Cossins Century Powers Penn Street to Comfortable Victory Over Sonning Sunday XI

Penn Street Cricket Club secured a convincing 69-run victory over Sonning Sunday XI at Penn Street Green, with Alistair Cossins' unbeaten century proving the decisive factor. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Penn Street amassed an imposing 283-4 from their 35 overs, before restricting Sonning to 214-7 in reply.

The hosts' innings was built around a magnificent 109 not out from Cossins, who anchored proceedings with a display of controlled aggression. He received excellent support from opener Josh Tollerfield, who contributed a fluent 72 before falling to Jacob Fitton, caught by Shenul Widanapathirana. Matt Hewlett added further impetus with a brisk 43 before Michael Longridge trapped him lbw in the closing stages.

Longridge proved the pick of Sonning's attack, claiming 2-35 from his seven overs, while James Travers and Jacob Fitton picked up a wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Sonning's bowlers struggled to contain the free-scoring Penn Street batsmen on a pitch that offered little assistance.

Facing a daunting target, Sonning's reply began positively with Hugo Popplewell and Shamitha Widanapathirana putting on a solid opening partnership. Popplewell top-scored with 47, while Widanapathirana contributed 31 before becoming Jeremy Knox's sole victim of the afternoon.

Jacob Fitton maintained the momentum with a useful 26, but Adrian White's impressive spell of 3-29 from six overs proved crucial in dismantling Sonning's middle order. White removed Popplewell, Fitton, and Matthew Calhoum in quick succession, effectively ending the visitors' hopes of a successful chase.

Captain James Travers (22) and his brother Bill Travers (21) offered some resistance, but when the skipper was stumped off David Jones' bowling and Bill was bowled by Jamie Fryer, Penn Street closed in for the kill. Shenul Widanapathirana remained unbeaten on 14 as Sonning finished well short of their target.

The victory underlined Penn Street's batting strength, with their total of 283-4 proving too substantial for Sonning to challenge despite a valiant effort. Adrian White's bowling performance, complemented by David Jones' economical 1-4 from two overs, ensured Penn Street maintained control throughout the second innings.