Sonning Innings
for ( Overs)
Match Report
Sonning 3rd claimed another impressive victory against Cove at home. There was some confusion regarding the pitch as the groundmen seems to have prepared two pitches. One was a batting track and other one had some grass on it. It was no surprise when Ali Driver gave his backing to the dry looking pitch. After confirmation and much to the dismay of the batsmen from both side the wicket with some grass on it was to be used.
Sonning won the toss and as usual this season elected to bat first. Even though the pitch had some grass on it and might assist some swing early on but we had long batting line up and were confident of the putting up a big score. Naqash Tahir and Ali opening the batting as usual. Naqash was bowled on the 2nd ball of the innings when he tried to hit one out of the ground, his first real failure of the season. Ali and captain Waqas also soon followed Naqash to the pavilion without troubling the scores much. Sonning had lost 3 wicket for just 5 runs.
Jack Mott joined Bhuvan Satwah in the middle and started to repair the damage with some sensible batting. After playing few overs Jack started to counter attack the opposition and it paid off as the bowlers length started to lose their line and length and gave us opportunities to score runs. Jack hit one too many and was caught at point after making crucial 21 runs and more importantly putting up 50 runs partnership with Bhuvan. James Travers came at no 6 and started really watchfully. Bhuvan on the end was starting to open up as the ball started to lose its shine. He played some lovely shots on the off side and was really sever on anything short. Jamie was going nicely as well on the other side without taking many risks and their partnership soon crossed 50. Both started to play aggressively and both hit couple huge sixes over long on.
Bhuvan soon made his 100 and what a brilliant effort that was considering the early losses. Jamie also joined the party making his 50. Nick joined Jamie in the middle after Bhuvan was bowled on 103. The instructions were clear to up the run rate as an early declaration was on the card. Nick made quick fire 16 and Jamie on the other end accelerated to 85 in quick time. Sonning declared on 254/5 after 40 overs.
James Kennealy and Ryan Pownell, both playing their first match for 3rds this season shared the new ball and both bowled tight and probing spells. Both were unlucky were on few occasions as the ball kept missing the edges. Both were rewarded for their good start with a wicket each and on another day could’ve taken few more. Ryan was involved in a run out when the batsmen decided to take on his arm from the boundary. It was an excellent peace of fielding and the opposition were 51/3 after 18 overs.
Aamir and Naqash replaced the opening bowlers and both made their impact instantly, with Naqash taking the wicket in his very first over. Aamir took couple of overs to settle down but got their key man soon afterwards. Aamir then bowled an excellent spell and ran through their middle order taking 3 wicket in his first spell. Jack Mott and Phil Wilding were given the ball and they bowled economically but without any rewards for their efforts. There were couple of close calls but the opposition held out for 10 overs without losing further wickets.
With two wickets remaining and about 15 overs still to bowl, sonning wanted to wrap the inngs as soon as possible. Captain brought himself on for the first time and Aamir was brought back on to finish off the inngs. Aamir soon wrapped the inngs with couple of quick wickets and finished an excellent spell taking his first 5 for of the season. The fielding was really good as couple of good catches were taken and there was also a run out. Nick was excellent behind the wicket as ever taking a low catch and also keeping the byes to minimum especially as the wicket was playing low for most of the inngs and Aamir’s change of sudden pace was even more challenging.
Overall it was again a very good batting performance and equally good bowling effort. Jamie and Bhuvan set the match with brilliant batting and Aamir’s excellent 5 for completed the victory. Everybody played their part and it was a good team effort. Well done all!!!
