Sunday As vs Crowthorne & Crown Wood

Widanapathirana Century Leads Sonning to Commanding Draw at King George's Field

Shamitha Widanapathirana's scintillating century provided the cornerstone of Sonning's imposing total of 276-4 declared against Crowthorne & Crown Wood in their Sunday friendly at King George's Field. Choosing to bat after winning the toss, Sonning's batsmen dominated proceedings throughout a sun-drenched August afternoon.

Openers Matthew Calhoum (38) and captain Charles Astwood (26) set the tone with a brisk 49-run stand, before Widanapathirana took center stage with a masterful 101 from just 88 deliveries. His innings, adorned with 18 boundaries and a six, showcased both technical proficiency and attacking intent as he retired not out after reaching his century.

Louis Dean provided excellent support with a fluent 65 not out, sharing a substantial 136-run partnership with Widanapathirana that effectively took the game away from the visitors. Jacob Fitton added late fireworks with a quickfire 29 from 13 balls, including four boundaries and a maximum, before Sonning declared at 276-4 from 37.5 overs.

Crowthorne & Crown Wood's bowling attack struggled for consistency, with Aran Long (1-47), Dan Partridge (1-26), Christopher Foxon (1-32), and Jonathan Ashenden (1-29) sharing the wickets, though none could stem the flow of runs against Sonning's rampant batting lineup.

In reply, Crowthorne & Crown Wood never threatened to chase down the target, finishing on 140-9 from their 38 overs. Joe Birkett provided the backbone of their innings with a patient 42 from 68 balls, while Peter Clarke contributed a more aggressive 34 from 36 deliveries, including seven boundaries.

Sonning's bowling attack was spearheaded by young Oliver Rowe, who produced a remarkable spell of 5-19 from his ten overs, including five maidens. His disciplined line and length proved too much for the Crowthorne middle order, with crucial wickets at regular intervals preventing any momentum in the chase. He received solid support from Isaac Blakey (1-25), Toby Fitton (1-22), Jacob Fitton (1-15), and Louis Dean (1-10).

Despite Rowe's heroics with the ball, Crowthorne's final pair of K.E. Golding (4 not out) and Dan Partridge (0 not out) survived the closing overs to secure a draw for the visitors, leaving Sonning to reflect on a dominant performance that fell just short of securing victory.