1st XI vs Cove

Rain Halts Play as Sonning Posts Competitive 231 Against Cove

Mohammed Zahid's composed 63 and Connor Wardlaw's brisk half-century led Sonning to a solid total of 231 all out before rain intervened, forcing the abandonment of their Division 2B league encounter against Cove at Cove Cricket Club on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Cove's bowlers initially made inroads as Tom Robinson (3-48) removed captain Peter Higginbottom for 28 and William Hibberdine for 13, leaving Sonning at 50-2. Robinson bowled with discipline throughout his 15-over spell, maintaining an excellent economy rate while claiming three crucial wickets.

Zahid anchored the Sonning innings with a patient 63 from 93 deliveries, forming two significant partnerships that shaped the visitors' total. His 86-run stand with wicketkeeper Wardlaw (57 off 40) injected momentum, with Wardlaw striking eight boundaries and a six in his aggressive knock. Zahid then combined with Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha for a 62-run partnership, with Kwatsha contributing 39 runs including two sixes.

Amrinder Singh (3-49) proved effective for the home side, claiming three wickets including the dangerous Kwatsha. The Cove bowling attack maintained pressure throughout, with Nick Randall (1-73) working through 15 overs to eventually dismiss Zahid, triggering a late collapse as Sonning lost their final five wickets for just 33 runs.

In response, Cove's Jerome Bossr provided the backbone of their chase with a well-constructed 79 from 86 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. After early wickets fell to Mohammed Zahid's accurate bowling, Bossr formed a crucial 98-run partnership with Jack Wilson (45) that kept Cove's hopes alive.

Zahid was the standout bowler for Sonning, claiming 4-30 from his 13 overs with remarkable control. His dismissals included both openers and the key wicket of Wilson. Michael Longridge provided valuable support, taking 2-24 from six overs including the wicket of Gavin Sinclair (18) and Chris Farmiloe (1).

With Cove reaching 164-6 from 40 overs and Matthew Reed (7*) and captain Nick Randall (1*) at the crease, persistent rain forced the abandonment of play, leaving both teams to share the points. Sonning collected 13 bonus points (10 batting, 3 bowling) while Cove earned 8 bonus points (3 batting, 5 bowling) from this curtailed encounter.