4th XI vs Henley

Dellar-Law's 88 Powers Sonning 4ths to Thrilling Win Over Henley

Sonning 4th XI secured a nail-biting victory over Henley in their Division 10A league fixture at Shiplake College on Saturday, winning by just 6 runs in a match that went down to the final over. After posting 213-5 from their allotted 40 overs, Sonning successfully defended their total as Henley fell short at 207-8.

Kyle Dellar-Law was the standout performer for Sonning, crafting an impressive 88 from 79 deliveries including nine boundaries. His innings provided the backbone of Sonning's challenging total after they were asked to bat first by Henley captain Sean Taylor. Dellar-Law found excellent support from Paul Towner, who struck a quickfire 36 from 31 balls with three fours and a six in a crucial 85-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Matthew Dawes (28) and Harrison Lott (16) had earlier provided a solid start with a 47-run opening stand before both fell to the bowling of Sean Taylor (2-48) and Ramiah Palvannan (1-30) respectively. Sonning's innings was bolstered by 22 extras, including 14 wides, as they reached a competitive total despite disciplined spells from Aakansh Naik (0-7 from 5 overs) and Atharv Gupta (0-25 from 8 overs with 3 maidens).

In response, Henley made a promising start with openers Atharv Gupta (26) and Freddie Bowlby (21) putting on 53 for the first wicket before Kabir Dave made the breakthrough. The middle order kept Henley in the hunt as Jethro Kock compiled an excellent 46 and Mani Atwal smashed 44 from just 35 deliveries, including two sixes, to keep the home side on track for victory.

The turning point came when Max Murphy, who finished with impressive figures of 3-25 from 5 overs, removed both Mani Atwal and Jethro Kock in quick succession. Jack Durrant (2-22) had earlier struck twice, while Syed Adnan (1-49) claimed the crucial wicket of Raiph Surplice (16) just as Henley appeared to be closing in on their target.

With tension mounting in the closing stages, Sonning's disciplined bowling restricted the flow of runs, as Toby Fitton delivered an economical spell (0-23 from 8 overs). A run-out in the final overs added to Henley's pressure, and despite a valiant effort from the lower order, they ultimately fell 6 runs short of Sonning's total.

The victory keeps Sonning 4th XI's momentum going in Division 10A, with skipper Kabir Dave contributing both with the ball (1-32) and tactical field placements that proved decisive in the match's closing stages. The all-round team performance, highlighted by Dellar-Law's batting masterclass, ensured Sonning returned home with a hard-fought win against a determined Henley side.