4th XI vs Emmbrook & Bearwood

Sonning 4th XI Triumph in Tense Low-Scoring Encounter at Knowl Hill

Sonning Cricket Club's 4th XI secured a narrow victory over Emmbrook & Bearwood in their Division 10B league fixture at Knowl Hill CC on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning's disciplined bowling attack dismissed the visitors for just 84 runs before successfully chasing the target with one wicket to spare.

Toby Fitton spearheaded Sonning's bowling effort with impressive figures of 3-15 from his eight overs, including four maidens, despite conceding 14 wides. Captain Kabir Dave matched Fitton's wicket tally, claiming 3-6 from six economical overs. Emmbrook & Bearwood's batting lineup struggled throughout, with only Simon Gilbert (22) and Peter Gilbert (12 not out) reaching double figures.

The visitors' innings began disastrously as Kevin Winter was bowled by Fitton for a 10-ball duck. Regular wickets continued to fall, leaving Emmbrook & Bearwood reeling at 46-8. However, Simon Gilbert provided some resistance, striking four boundaries in his 49-ball stay at the crease before becoming Elliot Dawes' sole victim. A late partnership of 37 runs between Simon Gilbert and Peter Gilbert for the final wicket added some respectability to the total.

Chasing 85 for victory, Sonning's reply started poorly as they lost Vikas Singh (2) and Gaurav Jayan (4) with just nine runs on the board. Henry Cook briefly countered with an 11-run cameo that included a six, but when he fell with the score at 24, followed immediately by Ollie Terry for a first-ball duck, Sonning were in trouble at 24-4.

Alex Brain proved to be Emmbrook & Bearwood's most effective bowler, taking 3-12 from seven disciplined overs, while Arunda Verma claimed 2-16. Christopher Dowse emerged as Sonning's batting hero, compiling a crucial 24 from 45 deliveries before being run out with the finish line in sight.

The match reached its climax when Sonning lost their ninth wicket with five runs still required, as Geethika Jyothis was run out for just one. However, Arthur Parkes joined Toby Fitton at the crease and immediately relieved the pressure with a boundary, helping Sonning cross the line with one wicket intact. Fitton remained unbeaten on nine from 43 balls, providing valuable stability through the tense run chase.

The victory maintains Sonning's positive start to their Division 10B campaign, while Emmbrook & Bearwood will take encouragement from their bowling performance despite the defeat. Both teams displayed impressive discipline with the ball on a challenging surface, with extras ultimately proving decisive as the two sides conceded 33 and 19 respectively.