4th XI vs Royal Ascot

McLoughlin and Ray Star in Sonning 4th XI's Hard-Fought Victory Over Royal Ascot

Sonning 4th XI secured a valuable win in their Division 10A league match against Royal Ascot on Saturday, successfully defending a total of 216 to claim victory by 43 runs at Royal Ascot's ground.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Sonning's innings was anchored by opener David McLoughlin, who crafted a patient 51 from 107 balls. His steady approach provided the foundation as wickets fell around him in the early stages. When Sonning found themselves precariously placed at 28-3, McLoughlin formed a crucial 84-run partnership with Sagar Dave, who struck a quickfire 39 from just 33 balls, including nine boundaries.

Captain Kabir Dave contributed a useful 18 before Robert Ray provided late-innings impetus with an unbeaten 37 from 25 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Ray's aggressive batting helped Sonning post a challenging total of 216-9 from their allocated 40 overs, with the home side conceding 41 extras in a somewhat undisciplined bowling display.

For Royal Ascot, Mike Wyatt (2-29) and Gyan Patel (2-49) were the pick of the bowlers, while William Powell and Benjamin Moffat also claimed wickets despite struggling with extras at times.

In response, Royal Ascot stumbled early when Toby Fitton dismissed Toby Dodwell-Bennett for a duck. William Powell (31) and Gyan Patel (28) attempted to rebuild the innings, while captain Dirk Benneyworth fought valiantly with 35 not out from 53 balls. However, disciplined bowling from Sonning maintained consistent pressure throughout.

James Douglas Davis led the Sonning attack with 3-37 from seven overs, while captain Kabir Dave matched this haul with 3-40 from his eight-over spell. Fitton's economical 2-27 and Ray's 2-40 ensured Royal Ascot were dismissed for 173 in the 39th over, completing a solid all-round performance from the visitors.

The victory maintains Sonning 4th XI's positive momentum in Division 10A of the Thames Valley Cricket League, with both batting depth and bowling discipline proving decisive factors in overcoming their hosts.