Sunday As vs Valley End

Longridge Brothers Star as Sonning Secure Victory at Valley End

Sonning Sunday As claimed a hard-fought 11-run win against Valley End at Woodlands Lane Upper, with Michael Longridge's four-wicket haul proving decisive in a low-scoring encounter. Despite Valley End winning the toss and electing to field, Sonning posted a competitive 140-7 before dismissing the hosts for 129.

Batting first, Sonning's innings was anchored by Shenul Widanapathirana, who crafted an unbeaten 45 in challenging conditions. Opener Shamitha Widanapathirana contributed a valuable 22, while Kabir Dave added 14 in the middle order. Valley End's Darren Summerfield was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3-22 from his eight overs, while Martin Ratcliff maintained excellent control with 2-13.

Sonning's total of 140 appeared modest, but included 21 extras which would ultimately prove costly for the hosts. Valley End's disciplined bowling attack worked effectively as a unit, with Dave Matthews (1-2 from four overs) and Matthew Kerr (0-14 from two overs) maintaining pressure throughout the innings.

In response, Valley End's chase began disastrously as Michael Longridge tore through the top order, removing opener Austen Reedman (9) before dismissing Matthew Kerr for a duck. Mark Bodoano (20) showed resistance before becoming Longridge's third victim, with Bruce Robertson falling shortly after without scoring.

Dave Matthews provided Valley End's strongest resistance, making 38 before being run out by Michael Longridge, who was central to Sonning's defensive effort. Gordon Kerr (12) briefly threatened a comeback before falling to Kabir Dave, who finished with excellent figures of 3-8 from 5.5 overs.

The lower order couldn't sustain the required momentum despite captain Rod Cant's efforts, with Toby Fitton (1-16) and Daniel Longridge (1-33) claiming important wickets as Valley End's innings concluded on 129 all out in the 36th over. The Longridge brothers combined for five wickets and a crucial run-out to secure victory for Sonning.

Isaac Blakey captained Sonning intelligently, rotating his bowlers effectively to maintain pressure throughout the innings, while Valley End will rue the 33 extras conceded, including 24 wides, which ultimately made the difference in a closely fought contest.