First XI
After the first three league weekends of the season, our first eleven currently sit at the top of Thames Valley Cricket League Division 1 with two wins and one abandonment to their name.
In the opening fixture of the season, we entertained Reading and had a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. Reading were bowled out for just 153, overseas player Sahan Nanayakkara impressing with figures of 4-20 and Wasim Ahmed also bowling well taking 2-28. In reply, there were few problems reaching the target only three wickets down and with plenty of overs to spare. Patrick Castleden on his return to the club top scored with 41 whilst there were useful contributions from all the top 5.
The side then travelled to Henley 2nds in a game that was abandoned due to rain. Henley had reached 170-4 off 39 overs before the heavens opened and ended play for the day. The points were shared.
Last week, the team got back to winning ways with an impressive victory at home to Stoke Green. Struggling at 29-3, Tom Fray (32) and Nadir Mehmood (38) rebuilt the innings before Nanayakkara came in at number 8 to hit a half century to help take the team up to an imposing total of 250 in 50 overs. In reply, like in the first game of the season, Ahmed (3-39) and Nanayakkara (5-22) bowled brilliantly and Stoke Green never got close eventually being bowled out for 130.
Next up is a trip to Slough 2nds on Saturday (26th May) where they'll look to continue their unbeaten run.
2nd XI
The second eleven currently sit in mid table of Division 4b after one win, one defeat and one abandonment in their first three fixtures.
The opening fixture was away to league newcomers Taplow. This was an excellent game where we pulled up just short in our run chase by 4 runs. Aaron O'Donoghue (4-41) and Sim Mangat (2-29) both bowled well, however Taplow were still able to post a very competitive 213-8 in their 45 overs. We looked on top on several occasions in the chase, but wickets were lost at crucial times and the side finished on 209-8. Jake Richardson top scored with 60, whilst Rory Millar (38), Richard Lucas (35) and Sohil Mangat (39) all contributed well too.
Next up was a home game to Marlow 2nds who were struggling at 74-4 in 22 overs before the rain arrived and abandoned play for the day. Sim Mangat had changed the tide of the game taking 3-6 in the 5 overs he bowled immediately before the rain.
The first win came last weekend away at Princes Risborough in emphatic fashion. We batted first and posted 343-6 before bowling the home side out for 116 to complete a 227 run win. Batting first the innings was anchored by Rory Millar (90) whilst there were hard hitting contributions at the other end throughout by Lucas (77), Richardson (36), Rob Mettler (42) and Greg Davis (38). O'Donoghue and Arun Brar both took three wickets each to help bowl Princes Risborough out cheaply.
The seconds enterain Amersham 3rds this Saturday (26th May).
Third XI
The thirds got off to a winning start in their Division 7b campaign away at Maidenhead & Bray 3rds. Batting first, Cookham posted 211-7 before bowling Bray out for 169 to complete a 42 run win. Clive Lambden (84) and Tom Wells-Cole (54) starred with the bat showing their quality at this level whilst a good all round bowling performance saw wickets shared about.
The thirds first home game was against Hillingdon Manor 2nds at Odney but was washed out with Cookham on 78-4.
Last week saw the third teams first defeat of the season, losing 7 wickets by Chenies & Latimer. Cookham were bowled out for 143 with Taine Richards scoring his maiden third team half century with 50 not out. Chenies & Latimer knocked the runs off inside 21 overs and only three wickets down.
This Saturday (26th May) the third team host local neighbours Wooburn Narkovians 2nds.
4th XI
It has been a frustrating start to the 4th XI's Division 9b campaign with only one fixture being fulfiled so far. This came on the opening Saturday of the season and unfortunately ended in a 14-run defeat against Chenies & Latimer 2nds at Odney. Our side had a great blend of experience and youth which is hopefully a sign of things to come as the summer progresses.
Village Cup XI
After receving a bye in the first round of the National Village Cup, we entertained White Waltham in the second round and ran out winners by 5 wickets. Batting first on a decent track and lightning fast outfield, White Waltham were bowled out inside their 40 overs for 169. It was a great bowling and fielding display from us, with a couple of great catches in the outfield and two outstanding run outs by Sim & Kurran Mangat. In reply, openers Manish Chaudhary (23) and Rory Millar (29) gave Cookham a steady start before Greg Davis (63) and Sim Mangat (44*) came in to both accelerate the run rate and help the side win the game inside 27 overs.
We travel to Binfield this Sunday (27th May) in the third round of the competition.