4th XI vs Theale and Tilehurst

Patel's Five-Wicket Haul Guides Theale & Tilehurst to Victory Over Sonning

Chirag Patel produced a devastating bowling spell, claiming 5-17 as Theale and Tilehurst's 4th XI secured a commanding 86-run victory over Sonning 4th XI in Thames Valley Cricket League Division 10A action at Berkshire County Sports Club.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning's bowlers were made to toil as Theale and Tilehurst posted a competitive 194-8 from their allotted 40 overs. Aiden Townsend led the way with a well-crafted 42, striking eight boundaries before falling to Mike Eaton. Sahil Nanda contributed a brisk 30, including five fours, while Thomas Parkhill (26) and Andrea Davidson-Soler (25) provided valuable middle-order support.

Sonning's bowling attack shared the wickets, with Sunit Bansode picking up 2-11 from his four economical overs, including two smart stumpings by wicketkeeper Joshua Jones. Ewan Green claimed 2-44, while Kabir Dave impressed with figures of 1-25 from his eight overs, including a maiden.

Chasing 195 for victory, Sonning's innings never gained momentum, collapsing to 108 all out in 27.1 overs. Captain Charles Astwood top-scored with 19, while Joshua Jones provided late resistance with 24, but no Sonning batsman could construct the substantial innings required.

The visitors' captain Soumya Ranjan Mishra made early inroads with 3-23, but it was Patel who dismantled Sonning's middle and lower order with a clinical display of bowling. His five-wicket haul included the crucial scalps of Astwood, Kabir Dave (16), and three other Sonning batsmen, earning him match-winning figures of 5-17 from seven disciplined overs.

Tim Kasozimusoke and Andrea Davidson-Soler chipped in with a wicket apiece as Theale and Tilehurst wrapped up a comprehensive victory, earning themselves 22 points and strengthening their position in the league standings. The home side had few positives to take from the defeat beyond Jones' resistance and the economical bowling of Dave.

The result gives Theale and Tilehurst's 4th XI valuable momentum as they continue their Thames Valley Cricket League campaign, while Sonning's 4th XI will need to regroup quickly to bounce back from this disappointing performance.