Sunday As vs Theale and Tilehurst

Bozarth and White Star as Theale Triumph in Season Opener

Sonning Sunday As fell 73 runs short in their season opener against Theale and Tilehurst, with the home side's powerful batting display proving decisive at Theale & Tilehurst ground. Despite winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning were set a challenging target of 284 which ultimately proved beyond their reach.

James White (88) and James Bozarth (98) provided the backbone of Theale's imposing first innings total. White's innings included 10 boundaries before falling to Luke Compton-Burnett, while Bozarth struck the ball with tremendous power, hammering 11 fours and 5 sixes in a match-defining knock that fell agonizingly short of a century.

Luke Compton-Burnett emerged as Sonning's most effective bowler, claiming 3-42 from 6.1 overs, including the crucial wicket of Bozarth. Shamitha Widanapathirana made a late impact with the ball, taking 2-11 in a single over during the final stages of Theale's innings, which concluded on 283-10 from 44.1 overs.

Sonning's response began positively with opener Luke Compton-Burnett striking 28 from just 24 deliveries, including 5 boundaries. The innings was anchored by Shamitha Widanapathirana, who produced an excellent 67 from 67 balls with 8 fours and a six before being run out by Theale captain Alec Davidson-Soler at a critical juncture with the score on 209.

Widanapathirana formed several productive partnerships, most notably with Peter Compton-Burnett, whose 26 runs helped add 63 for the sixth wicket. However, regular wickets prevented Sonning from building the momentum needed to threaten the target.

James Bozarth completed an outstanding all-round performance by taking 2-11 from 3 overs with the ball, while Micah Cooke (2-25) and Vinay Raja (2-60) also contributed with crucial breakthroughs. Despite Sonning showing plenty of intent with six sixes in their innings, they were eventually dismissed for 210 in 34.3 overs.

The 73-run victory for Theale and Tilehurst represented a strong start to their campaign, with their batting depth and bowling consistency proving the difference between the sides in this early-season friendly encounter.