3rd XI vs Kidmore End

Calhoum's 85 Not Enough as Sonning 3rd XI Fall Short in Run Chase

Sonning 3rd XI suffered a 69-run defeat against Kidmore End in their Division 9A fixture at Crowmarsh Gifford Cricket Club on Saturday. Despite winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning were left chasing a formidable total of 277-7, ultimately being dismissed for 208 in the final over of their innings.

Kidmore End's Jay Rathore was the standout performer with a magnificent century, scoring 106 runs with 12 fours and 3 sixes. Skipper Jonny Abbott provided solid support with 39, the pair putting on 79 for the first wicket before Abbott fell to Jameel Ahamed. Rathore continued his assault, forming another substantial partnership of 71 with Vasu Gupta (25) to push Kidmore End past the 150 mark.

William Hibberdine was Sonning's most effective bowler, claiming 3-46 from his seven overs, including the crucial wickets of Nishanth Rajmohan and David Eley in quick succession. Late hitting from Lavan Rajmohan (27) and Patrick Stewart (30 not out) propelled Kidmore End to an imposing total, with contributions throughout the order giving Sonning a mountain to climb.

Sonning's reply got off to a disastrous start as Jameel Ahamed was caught for a duck in the opening over. Charles Astwood briefly sparked hope with a brisk 32 from 28 balls, including six boundaries, but regular wickets kept Kidmore End in control. Ally Stewart proved a constant threat with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 4-39.

Wicketkeeper Matthew Calhoum provided the backbone of Sonning's innings with a determined 85, striking 17 boundaries during his 94-ball stay at the crease. His partnership of 78 with captain Mark Lilley (26) briefly gave Sonning a glimmer of hope as they moved past the 150 mark.

However, when Lilley fell to Nishanth Rajmohan and William Hibberdine quickly followed for a duck, Sonning's resistance crumbled. Despite Calhoum's valiant efforts, he eventually became Stewart's third victim with the score on 194, caught by Ewan Harris. The tail offered little resistance, with only Toby Fitton (7 not out) reaching single figures as Sonning were dismissed for 208 in the final over.

The defeat leaves Sonning reflecting on what might have been, particularly with their bowling performance having conceded 277 runs despite winning the toss. Kidmore End's bowlers shared the wickets around, with Patrick Stewart claiming 2-37 to complement his brother Ally's four-wicket haul, while Jay Rathore capped his outstanding day by picking up the wicket of Steve Simmons late in the innings.