4th XI vs Holyport

Sonning 4th XI Cruise to Convincing Win with Dominant Bowling Display

Sonning CC 4th XI secured a comprehensive victory against Holyport 3rd XI in their friendly match on 31 May 2025, bowling out the home side for just 73 after posting a competitive 160.

After Holyport won the toss and elected to field, Sonning's Kyle Dellar-Law starred with an explosive 49 from only 27 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Opening batsman Kishan Akula provided solid support with 29 from 39 balls, while Henry Cook contributed a brisk 25 off 20 deliveries in a well-constructed Sonning innings.

The pair of Akula and Dellar-Law combined for the match's most significant partnership, adding 76 runs for the second wicket after Zain Attiq fell early for 5. Their stand provided the foundation for Sonning to reach a defendable total despite Niall Bateman's impressive bowling performance for Holyport, claiming 3-7 from six economical overs that included three maidens.

Bobby Hart (3-11) and Michael Darby (2-20) also bowled effectively for the home side, helping to restrict Sonning to 160 all out in 32.3 overs despite their promising start. The Holyport bowlers shared the wickets around, with five different bowlers taking at least one scalp.

In reply, Holyport never gained momentum as Neel Kumar struck early, trapping Chris Smith lbw for a duck. Kumar continued his excellent spell, finishing with figures of 3-17 from six overs as Holyport struggled to build partnerships. Zain Attiq matched Kumar's wicket tally with an impressive 3-9 from four overs, while Christopher Dowse chipped in with 2-6 from just 1.1 overs to complete the demolition.

Michael Darby top-scored for Holyport with a determined 19 from 46 deliveries, but received little support as the home side collapsed to 73 all out in 23.1 overs. Captain Mark Denholm (11) was the only other Holyport batsman to reach double figures against a disciplined Sonning bowling attack.

The victory was particularly impressive for Sonning's bowling unit, with all five bowlers taking wickets. Arthur Parkes (1-25) and Arun Raghavendra (1-3) maintained excellent control throughout their spells, with Raghavendra's four overs including two maidens as Sonning completed an 87-run win.