Sunday As vs Holyport

Fitton's Unbeaten 75 Guides Sonning to Commanding Position Against Holyport

Jacob Fitton produced a masterclass in batting with an unbeaten 75 as Sonning Sunday As edged closer to victory against Holyport in their friendly encounter at King George's Field. Chasing Holyport's total of 182, Sonning reached 178-2 from just 32 overs, requiring only 5 more runs with 8 wickets in hand.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Holyport struggled initially against a disciplined Sonning bowling attack. Joel Cripps was the pick of the bowlers, claiming impressive figures of 3-15 from his four overs, while Jacob Fitton capped a fine all-round performance with 3-24 from five overs.

Holyport's innings was built around a resolute half-century from Fayaz Ahmed, who struck 63 from 66 deliveries, including nine boundaries and two sixes. Ahmed combined effectively with Peter Price (37) in a crucial 55-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping Holyport recover from a precarious 72-5.

Isaac Blakey made a significant breakthrough for Sonning when he had Ahmed stumped by William Hibberdine with the score on 127. Despite Price's efforts to shepherd the tail, two run-outs punctuated the closing stages of Holyport's innings, with Michael Longridge and Jacob Fitton effecting the dismissals as the visitors were bowled out for 182 in exactly 45 overs.

Sonning's chase suffered an early setback when William Hibberdine fell for just 5, caught off Hashim Sulaman's bowling. Captain Mark Lilley steadied the innings with a watchful 23 before falling leg-before to Saif Malik with the score on 50.

From this platform, Jacob Fitton took control, showcasing his batting prowess with 13 boundaries in his unbeaten 75. He received excellent support from Alexander Fleming, who compiled a solid 40 not out, as the pair constructed an unbroken 128-run partnership to put Sonning within touching distance of victory.

Holyport's bowlers struggled for consistency, conceding 35 extras, including 18 wides and 8 no-balls. Only Hashim Sulaman (1-8 from 4 overs) and Saif Malik (1-34 from 5 overs) managed to make inroads into Sonning's batting lineup, as the home side demonstrated their batting depth with several accomplished batsmen still to come.