Sunday As vs Prestcold

Popplewell's Valiant 80 Not Enough as Mayhew Century Powers Prestcold to Victory

Sonning Sunday As fell to a comprehensive defeat against Prestcold at Coppid Hall Cricket Ground, as the home side's Chaz Mayhew smashed a devastating 169 to set up a 164-run victory in this friendly fixture.

After winning the toss, Prestcold elected to bat first and immediately seized control through openers Mayhew and Phil Desbois, who constructed a formidable 211-run opening partnership. Mayhew was particularly severe on the Sonning attack, striking 25 fours and 5 sixes in his 108-ball innings, while Desbois provided solid support with a measured 57 from 87 deliveries.

Christopher Dowse eventually made the breakthrough for Sonning, removing Desbois lbw before later claiming Mayhew's wicket when the opener was caught with the score on 257. Matt Rosier added a brisk 32 from 21 balls including a six before Daniel Bailey had him bowled, but Tim Benham's unbeaten 45 from just 16 balls, featuring three sixes, propelled Prestcold to an imposing 324-2 from their 40 overs.

Sonning's bowling figures made for difficult reading, with Bailey (1-92 from 7 overs) taking particular punishment. James Charlton-Perez provided the only real control with economical figures of 0-19 from 7 overs including a maiden.

In response, Hugo Popplewell stood alone in Sonning's batting effort, crafting an impressive 80 before falling to Luke Rosier. However, he received minimal support as Andrew Rosier tore through the Sonning batting lineup, finishing with excellent figures of 4-24 from his 8 overs, including 2 maidens.

Sunit Bansode (22) was the only other Sonning batsman to pass 20 as Matt Rosier (2-23) and Luke Rosier (2-22) helped bundle out the visitors for 160 in their 40 overs. The disciplined Prestcold bowling attack shared the wickets around, with Jonny Gingell and Gururaj Parvatikar also claiming a wicket apiece.

The 164-run margin reflected Prestcold's dominance throughout the contest, though Sonning captain Richard Skiel will take some positives from Popplewell's batting performance and Charlton-Perez's economical bowling spell in challenging circumstances.