3rd XI vs Twyford

Sonning Clinch Nail-Biting Win Over Twyford in Division 8B Clash

Sonning Cricket Club's 3rd XI secured a thrilling six-run victory over Twyford and Ruscombe at Twyford Cricket Club in their Division 8B encounter on Saturday. Despite being asked to bat first after losing the toss, Sonning posted a challenging total of 182 before restricting the hosts to 176 for 7 in their full allocation of 40 overs.

Shamitha Widanapathirana was the standout performer for Sonning, crafting a well-constructed 57 from 67 deliveries, including nine boundaries. His innings proved crucial as Sonning lost early wickets, with openers Jack Wolfenden (14) and Aseem Shafi (10) departing with only 30 runs on the board. Widanapathirana shared important partnerships with captain Arun Kumar Pera (19) and Hassan Shah (14) to steer Sonning towards a competitive total.

Twyford's Angus Weir was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 for 13 in a miserly three-over spell, while Spence Nichols (2-40) and Ben Ackerman (2-44) provided valuable support. The home side's disciplined bowling was complemented by sharp fielding, with five catches and a run-out bringing Sonning's innings to a close in the 39th over.

Chasing 183 for victory, Twyford made a steady start with Angus Weir (14) and Adam Henley (12) putting on 21 for the first wicket. Max Murphy then made significant inroads for Sonning, dismissing Henley, George Mitchell (15), and later Prashanth Juluri (16) to finish with impressive figures of 3 for 38 from his seven overs.

Andrew Miller provided the backbone of Twyford's innings with an unbeaten 51, constructing partnerships with Ben Nichols (20) and captain Marc Teal (24). As the match entered its final stages, Miller's partnership with Prashanth Juluri brought Twyford within striking distance, adding 44 runs for the sixth wicket.

With the match delicately poised, Aseem Shafi delivered a crucial breakthrough by bowling Teal, while wicketkeeper Daniel Edwards was instrumental behind the stumps with two catches and involvement in a run-out. Hassan Shah (1-24) and Jack Durrant (1-38) also delivered important spells for Sonning.

Despite Miller's determined effort and a late cameo from Ben Ackerman (6 not out), Twyford fell just short of the target, reaching 176 for 7 from their 40 overs. The six-run victory gives Sonning a valuable win in their Division 8B campaign, with Widanapathirana's batting and Murphy's bowling proving decisive factors in this closely contested match.