Sunday As vs Karrinyup

Wardlaw Century as Karrinyup Fall Short in Run Chase

Connor Wardlaw's magnificent century was the highlight for Sonning Sunday As as they secured a narrow victory against Australian visitors Karrinyup at King George's Field on Sunday. After being asked to bat first, Sonning posted a challenging 230 all out before restricting their visitors to 208-7 in their 40 overs.

Sonning's innings was built around a scintillating 101 from Wardlaw, who reached his century off just 59 deliveries. The wicket-keeper batsman struck 13 fours and three sixes in his innings, dominating a Karrinyup attack that struggled to contain him. Opening batsman Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha provided early momentum with an aggressive 37 from 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

The visitors' bowling was led by M Deas and C O'Reilly, who claimed two wickets apiece, while K McArthur and A Singh also picked up two wickets each. Their disciplined effort in the latter stages of the innings prevented Sonning from posting an even more imposing total, as they bowled out the home side in the final over.

In reply, Karrinyup made a positive start through S Anderson, who scored a quickfire 36 from 36 balls including eight boundaries. D Boyse anchored the middle order with a patient 45 from 61 deliveries, but regular wickets from the Sonning attack kept the visitors behind the required rate.

Daniel Longridge (2-19) and Freddie Shaw (2-12) were the pick of the Sonning bowlers, while Isaac Jenner's spell of 2-21 from six overs, including three maidens, proved crucial in containing the visitors. Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha was outstanding in the field, taking three catches to support the bowling effort.

A late flourish from A Singh, who struck 29 from 23 balls including a six, threatened to take the game away from Sonning, but his dismissal, caught by Wardlaw off Shaw's bowling, effectively ended Karrinyup's challenge. K McArthur remained unbeaten on 15, but the visitors finished 22 runs short of their target.

The victory continues Sonning Sunday As' strong form at home this season, with Richard Skeil's side showing impressive depth in both batting and bowling departments. Special praise must go to Wardlaw, whose all-round contribution of a century and three dismissals behind the stumps proved decisive in this entertaining encounter against the touring Australian side.