4th XI vs Fleet

Syed's Six-Wicket Haul Not Enough as Fleet Triumph Over Sonning 4ths

Adnan Syed's remarkable six-wicket spell went in vain as Sonning 4th XI fell 72 runs short against Fleet 3rd XI in their Division 10A clash at home. Fleet posted a commanding 271 all out before restricting Sonning to 199, securing a comfortable win in the league fixture.

After winning the toss, Fleet opted to bat first and weathered an early storm that saw them reduced to 17-2, with Jai Sharma removing William Scott and Dylan Kemp in quick succession. Their innings gained momentum through Gary Whiting, who struck a fluent 52 from just 37 deliveries, including nine boundaries and a six, before falling lbw to Mike Eaton.

B Knights then took center stage with a dominant 72 off 57 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes, forming significant partnerships of 91 with Whiting and 87 with Rash Khan (45). These partnerships proved decisive in Fleet reaching their formidable total, despite Syed's late heroics where he claimed 6-28 from 5.5 overs, including three wickets in five balls to wrap up the innings.

Chasing 272, Sonning lost captain Charles Astwood early for 9, but James Travers provided stability with a patient 48 from 77 balls. A promising partnership of 52 between Travers and Aahaan Sharma (37 off 32) gave Sonning hope, but Sharma's run-out proved a turning point in the contest.

Fleet's bowlers maintained consistent pressure as Sonning's middle order crumbled, with Ronnie Finlayson (3-36) and Callum Ridley (3-29) inflicting the most damage. Henry Cook and Mohammad Hameed fell in consecutive overs, both scoring just a single run, as Sonning slumped from 98-3 to 102-5.

Kyle Deller-Law provided late resistance with a spirited 27, adding 42 valuable runs for the final wicket with Jai Sharma (12 not out), but it was too little too late as Finlayson returned to clean up Deller-Law and seal Fleet's victory.

The result leaves Sonning reflecting on a match where they showed glimpses of promise but ultimately couldn't match Fleet's all-round performance, particularly struggling to contain their opponents' middle-order batting power that proved decisive in the final outcome.