Sulhamstead suffer disappointing defeat
Strugglers battle hard but are edged out by impressive Cove side
SULHAMSTEAD suffered a two-wicket defeat to second-placed Cove which leaves them in a precarious position towards the bottom of Division 2B, just 19 points clear of bottom side Fleet.
Sulhamstead won the toss, elected to bat and made 2708 from their 50 overs in an innings that included three top scores of 36 from Zia Ulhaq, Christian Blackford and Karanvir Panesar, who was unbeaten at the end.
Cove chased that down with just nine balls and two wickets to spare, despite the best efforts of Craig Palmer (2-54), Charlie Baker (2-64) and Panesar (2-40).
With the score 203-8, Sulhamstead looked to be heading towards a much-needed win but a 69-run ninth wicket stand ensured Cove went home with the points while Sulhamstead’s struggles continue.
There was better news for Theale and Tilehurst, who overcame White Waltham by four wickets in a high-scoring
game that saw more than 600 runs scored.
White Waltham recovered from 78-4 to post 317-6 from their 45 overs in an innings that included 100 partnerships for both the fifth and sixth wickets as well as two wickets for Michael Holder.
Theale then reeled in White Waltham’s mammoth total with four wickets and four balls to spare in a thrilling chase in which Holder scored a fantastic 134 not out.
Holder combined with Alec Davidson-Soler (48no) for a match-winning 120-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Newbury remain at the summit of Division 5B, despite a disappointing four-wicket defeat to Purley-on-Thames 2nd.
Hosts Newbury won the toss, but collapsed to 137 all out in an innings that included six single-figure scores.
In response, Purley survived the formidable spin bowling of in-form Charlie Anstey (3-35) and surpassed their target in the 37th over to secure a surprise win.