President's XI vs Nomads

Longridge Falls Short of Century as President's XI Secure Draw Against Nomads

Michael Longridge's impressive 97 provided the backbone of Sonning President's XI's first innings total of 252-6 declared at King George's Field on Sunday. Despite falling agonisingly short of a well-deserved century, Longridge's 120-ball knock, featuring 14 boundaries and one six, set the platform for a competitive declaration against the visiting Nomads.

Nomads captain Sajjad Shawl won the toss and elected to field, a decision that initially paid dividends when Daniel Longridge departed early for just 2 runs. However, Michael Longridge found an able partner in Freddie Travers, with the pair constructing a match-defining 173-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Travers' fluent 78 from 88 deliveries included 10 fours and a six before falling lbw to Arnav Kulkarni.

The Nomads' bowling attack was led by Shawl (2-43) and Jack Ellis (2-53), while Kulkarni's economical spell yielded 2-19 from his four overs. A late flurry from Zanoxolo Gift Kwatsha (12*) and Peter Higginbottom (3*) helped push Sonning's total past the 250-mark before the declaration came after 44 overs.

In response, Nomads lost Connor Wardlaw early for a brisk 14, but Jono Vernon-Powell anchored their innings with a patient 50 from 69 deliveries. The visitors' middle order faltered against Sonning captain Kabir Dave, who scythed through the batting with figures of 4-43, including the key wickets of Kyle Bradley, Peter Todorov, Jack Ellis and Lee Soar in a decisive spell.

Arnav Kulkarni matched Vernon-Powell's contribution with a fluent half-century of his own, striking nine boundaries in his 50 from just 42 balls before falling to Toby Fitton. At 151-8, Nomads looked in serious trouble, but Gerard Soames (26*) and Mark Richards (35*) combined for an unbroken 69-run partnership that helped them avoid defeat.

Daniel Longridge's disciplined bowling (2-29 from 11 overs including 5 maidens) and Peter Higginbottom's early breakthroughs (2-50) complemented Dave's match-defining spell as Sonning pushed for victory. However, the Nomads' tail-end resistance proved decisive as they finished on 220-9 from their 46 overs, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

The match showcased exceptional batting from both sides, with four half-centuries scored across the two innings, but neither team could land the knockout blow in what proved to be an evenly contested friendly encounter at King George's Field.