Wargrave Cricket Club's 4th XI delivered an impressively professional performance on Saturday, defeating Emmbrook and Bearwood CC's 3rd XI by seven wickets on their Kings Field ground in Wargrave. This win further consolidates Wargrave's position in the league, now sitting comfortably in second place in the Berkshire Cricket League Division 4A.

The match began with Emmbrook and Bearwood winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, their decision quickly seemed questionable as Wargrave’s bowlers seized control early in the game. Ethan Meeres set the tone by dismissing Kevin Winter for a duck, delivering a tight and disciplined opening spell. This early breakthrough was swiftly followed by Sam Beale trapping Gururaj Parvatikar LBW for 7, leaving Emmbrook and Bearwood struggling at 18-3.

Wargrave’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, supported by a fielding unit that executed crucial run-outs and held onto their catches. Aryan Pradeep played a pivotal role, dismissing Russ Brain, who anchored Emmbrook and Bearwood’s innings with a resilient 27 off 97 balls. Pradeep’s spell was instrumental, claiming two wickets for just 17 runs in his seven overs. Sam Beale also shone with figures of 7-1-24-2, while Hitessh Lingala and Meeres chipped in with a wicket each.

Despite the early setbacks, Emmbrook and Bearwood’s middle order tried to stabilize the innings. Matt Whiddett contributed 25 off 42 balls, and Theo Auty’s unbeaten 25 towards the end gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. Their efforts with the bat were supported by a flurry of extras, with Wargrave conceding 28 in wides and no-balls. Emmbrook and Bearwood concluded their innings at 133-8 after the allotted 40 overs.

Chasing a modest target, Wargrave's openers approached the task with measured aggression. Captain Thomas Tabrah led from the front with a fluent 47 off 42 balls, including four boundaries. His partnership with Sam Beale laid a solid foundation, amassing 70 runs for the first wicket. Beale’s patient 22 provided the perfect foil to Tabrah’s attacking stroke play.

After Beale was trapped LBW by Andrew Elliot, Tabrah continued to dominate until he fell to a stunning catch in the deep off Matt Whiddett, leaving Wargrave at 84-2. Despite the dismissal of Jonah Holloway soon after for 12, Wargrave remained firmly in control. John Beale and Freddie Galitzine-Scott then combined to steer the team towards the target. Beale's composed 23 off 23 balls and Galitzine's brisk 21 not out off 17 balls ensured there were no further hiccups.

The chase was completed in just 21.4 overs, reflecting Wargrave’s dominance with both bat and ball. Emmbrook and Bearwood’s bowlers struggled to find the necessary breakthroughs, with only Matt Whiddett making a significant impact by claiming two wickets for 43 runs in his 7.4 overs.

Wargrave’s comprehensive victory not only underscores their strength in the league but also highlights the depth and balance in their squad. With this win, they have consolidated their second spot in the standings above Phoenix CC, adding crucial points to their tally and boosting their confidence for the upcoming fixtures.

Reflecting on the match, Captain Thomas Tabrah praised his team’s all-round performance. "It was a great effort by the entire team. Our bowlers did an excellent job in restricting them, and the batsmen followed up with a solid chase. It's a significant win for us," he said.

Wargrave's 4th XI next challenge will see them take on another strong opponent in Welford Park and they will be keen to maintain their momentum. As the league progresses, their consistent performances have set a high benchmark, making them strong contenders for the top spot. For Emmbrook and Bearwood, this loss will be a moment for introspection as they look to regroup and bounce back in their next game.

Overall, the match was a testament to Wargrave’s prowess and tactical acumen, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the Berkshire, Cricket League this season.