Henley entertained Aldershot at Nettlebed on Saturday in a thrilling contest that saw over 600 runs scored across both innings. Skipper Mani Atwal won the toss and elected to bat first on a good-looking surface.

The innings got off to a shaky start with Arian Atwal falling in the first over to a sharp delivery from Yousufi. Taylor joined Ram at the crease to steady things but was dismissed for five after a ball lifted off a length and was caught at gully. Yousufi continued his fine form, eventually finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 31 off his eight overs.

Jethro injected momentum into the innings with a brisk 21 before being bowled by Vinny. With the score at 62 for 3, Henley needed a partnership — and they got one of monumental proportions. Ram, already anchoring the innings beautifully, found a willing partner in Manny Atwal. Together, they put on a superb 204-run stand that took the game away from Aldershot.

Mani retired hurt after scoring a composed 61, while Ram went on to compile a magnificent 143 off 97 balls. Olivia Parr added a handy 11, and Zac Saunders provided fireworks at the end with a blistering 47 off just 17 balls. Henley closed their innings on a formidable 328 for 4 in 40 overs.

In reply, Aldershot lost opener Dilraj early to Olly Woodward without scoring. John Summerbey and Vinay then steadied the chase before Summerbey was caught by Jethro off the bowling of Taylor for a well-made 30. Vinay fell soon after to Isaac Peach for 28, bringing Yusufi to the crease.

Yousufi once again impressed, taking the attack to the bowlers. He shared a near-century stand with Aron before the latter was run out by Jethro for 35. Olivia Parr eventually broke Yousufi’s resistance, bowling him for an excellent 101. Daniel Killick (44*) and Nathan Stanley (11*) kept the scoreboard ticking, but Aldershot finished on 280 for 5 from their 40 overs — a commendable effort but not enough on the day.

Henley’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly, with Parr (1 for 28), Peach (1 for 47), Taylor (1 for 17), and Woodward (1 for 39) all contributing. The match also marked a debut for Palash Mehta and a season debut for Shreyas.

This dominant win moves Henley Fours to second place in the table and sets the stage for an exciting run-in to the end of the season.