U11 Sharks v Henley Under 11 Lynx

Sharks Fall Short as Henley's Batting Depth Proves Decisive at The Brakspear Ground

Sonning U11 Sharks travelled to The Brakspear Ground on 9th August for a BYCL Under 11 Challenge (Tier 1) North West fixture against Henley's Under 11 Lynx, but despite a solid team effort with the bat, the Sharks were unable to contain the hosts in the second innings, ultimately falling to a 55-run defeat.

Captain Ridith Kandadi won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a competitive target in this pairs format contest. The Sharks' innings got off to a difficult start, with Muhammad Abdurrahman Baig unable to trouble the scorers from his 11 deliveries. However, contributions came from across the order as the Sharks scratched and fought their way to 101 from their 20 overs. Kandadi top-scored with 10 runs from 12 balls including a boundary, while Megan Symes, Arthur Teed, and Ruby Cross each chipped in with 9. Teed looked particularly fluent, striking two fours during his unbeaten stay at the crease. Extras contributed a significant 42 runs to the total, with 20 byes proving particularly costly for the Henley attack.

Henley captain Jack South was the standout performer with the ball during the Sharks' innings, claiming an impressive 4 wickets from his 3 overs while conceding just 8 runs and bowling a maiden — comfortably the best figures of the match. Milo Brooksbank supported well with 2 for 11 from his 2 overs, though his spell was marred by 4 no-balls. Advik Vinoth also bowled with discipline, returning figures of 0 for 11 from 3 overs including a maiden.

The Sharks needed early wickets in the second innings but found Henley's batting order in determined mood. The hosts' runs came from every pair in the order, with Humph Armstrong leading the way with a combative 19 from 16 balls, striking four boundaries despite being dismissed three times. Advik Vinoth compiled an unbeaten 17 from 14 balls with three fours, while Jack Waterhouse contributed 15 from 11 deliveries. Both Seth Davies and Barney Irving added 14 apiece as the Henley total mounted steadily.

Chloe Dawes was the pick of the Sharks' bowling attack, returning figures of 2 for 16 from her 3 overs to give the visitors early hope. Megan Symes also impressed with 2 for 21 from 3 overs, demonstrating her all-round capabilities after her useful contribution with the bat. Captain Kandadi chipped in with 2 for 15 from his 2 overs, while Arthur Teed grabbed 2 for 11 from a single over to continue his productive afternoon.

Despite claiming 12 wickets between them, the Sharks were undermined by their extras, conceding 41 in the second innings — including 26 wides and 10 no-balls. Ruby Cross's 2 overs proved particularly expensive, going for 22 runs with 8 wides, while Rudransh Singh conceded 19 from 2 overs with 7 wides. Niko Jordinson bowled 6 no-balls in his 3-over spell, and the lack of bowling discipline ultimately allowed Henley to reach 156, well clear of the Sharks' first-innings total.

The defeat highlighted an area for the Sharks to work on in training, with the bowling unit needing to find greater accuracy to support what was a commendable all-round batting display. Teed's unbeaten knock, Dawes's tight bowling, and Symes's dual contribution with bat and ball were encouraging signs for the young Sonning side.