Henley 3rd XI produced an impressive run chase to defeat Peppard Stoke Row 2nd XI by eight wickets at Peppard Common.

After winning the toss, Peppard elected to bat on a wicket offering variable bounce and plenty of encouragement for the bowlers. However, the very dry and fast outfield ensured that anything beating the field raced towards the boundary.

Henley made the perfect start when Baig removed Harper for a duck with just eight runs on the board. Simmons then anchored the Peppard innings, receiving useful support from Lambert and Vines as the hosts recovered.

Vines made a patient 22 before edging Taylor to Atwal, who held an excellent catch. Taylor then removed Roberts for 13 and May without scoring during a fine spell of 3-22 from nine overs.

Simmons continued to frustrate Henley and was given a late reprieve when Taylor put down a chance. Fortunately, the mistake proved inexpensive, as Garfath-Nebbett bowled him a couple of overs later for a well-made 69.

Garfath-Nebbett finished with 2-28, while Baig also claimed two wickets as Peppard closed on 186-9 from their 45 overs. Baig and Hanna took one wicket apiece.

The inconsistent bounce made it an especially challenging afternoon for Dyer behind the stumps. He kept extremely well in difficult conditions, bravely “wearing” a few deliveries as the ball repeatedly bounced unpredictably.

Henley’s chase began positively through Atwal and Baig. The pair put on 74 for the opening wicket before Baig was caught for a brisk 29 from 36 balls, including six fours.

Snook, returning to the side, then produced another powerful display. He struck eight boundaries in an excellent 51 from only 46 deliveries before retiring, having helped put Henley firmly in control of the chase.

Arian Atwal came to the crease following Snook’s retirement and helped see Henley comfortably towards their target. At the other end, Mani Atwal remained in complete control. The Henley captain produce a great display, punishing anything loose and used the rapid outfield superbly, striking 14 fours on his way to an unbeaten 86 from 79 balls.

Henley passed their target in only 26 overs, finishing on 190-2 and completing an emphatic victory with 19 overs to spare. It was an excellent all-round performance, with the bowlers restricting Peppard on a challenging surface before Atwal and Snook made short work of the run chase.