Nail-biting finish results in narrow loss for Wargrave 4th XI

Shinfield CC's 4th XI emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Wargrave CC's 4th XI in the Berkshire Cricket League Division 4. Some rain meant the match started late and was reduced to 35 overs per innings, but the sun came out and everyone was happy to get a game on.

Opting to field after winning the toss, Shinfield CC managed to restrict Wargrave to a competitive total, ultimately securing a thrilling win.

Wargrave's innings got off to a strong start with opener Tom Tabrah leading from the front. Tabrah displayed excellent stroke play, accumulating 64 runs, including five boundaries, before being caught by Tony Gaylor off the bowling of Sandeep Khare. There was a big focus on taking singles to keep the scoreboard going, and turning ones into twos on a slow outfield where boundaries were difficult after the early rain. Partnertships with Beale and Burnyeat were built on quick running and pressuring the fielders. Tabrah's contribution laid a strong foundation for Wargrave's innings.

Sam Beale and Poppy Burnyeat also made valuable contributions with the bat. Beale scored 14 runs, while Burnyeat showcased her batting prowess with a well-crafted half-century, striking five boundaries on her way to 50 runs. However, Wargrave's middle order struggled to maintain momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

Shinfield CC's bowlers put up an impressive performance, not allowing the opposition batsmen to settle. Sandeep Khare and Mahesh Saswade were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each. Tony Gaylor and Parag Bharambe also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring Wargrave were restricted to a total of 169 runs for the loss of six wickets at the end of their 35 overs.

In pursuit of the target, Shinfield CC encountered some early hiccups, losing wickets at regular intervals. Mahesh Saswade fell early to Ethan Meeres, but opener Shivam Khare held the innings together with a resilient knock of 52 runs. Khare displayed excellent technique and found the boundaries with ease, contributing significantly to Shinfield's chase.

Wargrave's bowlers fought back valiantly, with Hitessh Lingala and Ethan Meeres taking two wickets each. Praveen Jetti, Tom Tabrah and Sam Beale also contributed with a wicket each. Wargrave's young bowlers, Lingala, Meeres and Beale, bowled with speed and accuracy and had the batsmen unsure of the best tactic to play them. However, Tony Gaylor's aggressive innings of 36 runs and Will Corbishley's composed knock of 21 runs steered Shinfield CC closer to the target.

With the match hanging in the balance, Shinfield CC reached the required total in the 34th over, sealing a thrilling victory by three wickets. The match showcased some exceptional performances from both teams, with Wargrave displaying grit and determination, but ultimately falling short in their defence of the target.

The win for Shinfield CC's 4th XI earned them a well-deserved 35 game points, while Wargrave CC's 4th XI secured 10 points. Despite the loss, Wargrave can take pride in their efforts, particularly the performances of Tom Tabrah, Poppy Burnyeat, and their bowlers, who made the contest an enthralling one.