Womens 1st XI v East & West Hendred Womens 1st XI

Sonning Women Cruise to Comfortable Victory at East & West Hendred

Sonning Women's 1st XI secured a convincing win away at East & West Hendred in the Super 8 Development Group D on 15th May 2022, chasing down a modest target of 56 with ease to post 103 for the loss of just one wicket.

Captain Sharon Fleming won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that proved inspired as Sonning's bowling attack kept the hosts firmly in check throughout their 15.5 overs. East & West Hendred managed only 16 runs from the bat, with extras contributing a remarkable 40 to their total of 56 for eight wickets — a stark illustration of the difficulty both sides had with discipline from the crease and accuracy with the ball in this pairs format.

Grace Phillips was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets from her three overs while conceding just seven runs. Chloe Bailey provided excellent support at the other end, picking up two wickets in her three overs for nine runs, while Siobhan Davis matched Bailey's haul with two wickets from three economical overs that cost only five runs. Melissa Pengraeve also impressed, bowling a maiden in her two-over spell and conceding just four runs.

Sarah Webb top-scored for East & West Hendred with 11 from 19 balls, showing admirable resistance in difficult circumstances. Alicia Bosley contributed seven, including the only boundary of the home side's innings, while Poppy Hubbard and Lorraine Ashton each added five. Captain Liz Verrall endured a frustrating afternoon, finishing with nought from five deliveries.

Sonning's reply was emphatic. Siobhan Davis set the tone at the top of the order, striking 12 from just 11 balls with three fours before being the only Sonning batter dismissed. Her aggressive intent ensured the visitors were well ahead of the required rate from the outset.

The real fireworks came from Melissa Pengraeve, who followed up her tidy bowling spell with a sparkling 17 from 12 balls, dispatching three boundaries in an innings that underlined her all-round contribution to the match. Grace Phillips chipped in with seven, while Chloe Bailey and Sophie Eckley both made six to ensure runs came from across the order.

East & West Hendred's bowlers struggled to contain the Sonning batting lineup, with 45 extras conceded during the chase — including 37 wides and six no-balls. Lily Clayton claimed the only wicket to fall but was expensive, going for 25 runs from her four overs. Sonning reached their target in 16 overs, securing six league points and leaving East & West Hendred with just one from the contest.