Binfield CC 4th XI 289/7 (40 overs) beat Henley CC 4th XI 168 (33.1 overs) by 121 runs
Henley 4th XI were beaten by 121 runs by a strong Binfield side on Saturday, as the hosts posted an imposing 289/7 from their 40 overs before bowling Henley out for 168 in 33.1 overs.

Sol Jeol Park illustrated what would be known as a scorched earth, as there was not a single blade of green grass as far as the eye could see. Both sides knew if anyone was going to win the toss it would be a bat first day. So, when the coin fell Binfields way Henley knew the day became even more difficult. A relatively short but quick outfield also hinted that the day would also be somewhat of a run fest.

Henley took control of Binfields top order achieving 3 wickets in the first ten overs, a very successful opening spell by the end of the first drinks break between Captain Jakob Albiston and Andy Chinn. However celebrations for Henley couldn’t kick on as a 107 run partnership formed between opener Steve Jeffrey who made 56 from 76 balls and Tony Smith who scored 59 off 66 deliveries. The breakthrough wicket of Jeffrey, was dealt by young spinner Arjun Kothari, who was helped along with an incredible pair of hands by Chinn who would go on to take 3 catches on the day. Debutant from the other Remi Shehab despite going for 20 runs off his only over took the other wicket taking out Smith’s middle stump. Thus, two new batters were at the crease and Henley felt they were ready to pounce, Kothari picked up a second wicket as did Albiston bringing himself back on towards the end of Binfields innings.

Despite a valiant effort in the field, Binfield felt they had made the most of their allotted 40 overs piling on 289 runs. Key bowlers for Henley, Kothari who ended with 2/42 off 8 overs, Chinn, who had 2/71 off 8 overs, and Albiston, who had 2/31 off his 8 overs, alongside 2 maiden’s and an economy of 3.88.

Henley Desperate to chase down Binfields score, started off shaky with opener Albiston departing for 5 who was struck LBW. Piper also fell cheaply getting caught with a top edge. However hoped was slowly being reignited between opening bat Andy Chinn and Stephen Bowles. Both made scores of 30 before falling to replacement spinner Ollie Brasier who was turning the ball on 90 degree angles. Olivia Parr was dismissed also in the middle of both 30’s unable to trouble the scorers. Henley 4 wickets down at this point lead debutant 12 year old Sebastian lavers out to the crease looking to make his mark on the match and his career. Once Bowles was removed Dan Lavers came out and joined his son in the middle who was 16* at the time. The pair enjoyed their time together putting together a 33 run partnership. Dan made a quick fire 23 off 24 with 4 fours and a six before getting caught in the deep off Captain Abinandan Venkatraman’s bowling who ended with 3/17 off 5 overs. Picking up his next two wickets Henley’s tail couldn’t get going and Chris White wrapped up the game for Binfield claiming two wickets, Henley were all out for 168.

Through all this, Seb Lavers held his bat through to the end with an unbeaten 42 off 46 deliveries scoring a few incredible shots, proving he has indeed got what it takes to play at the next level.

Binfield winning by 121 runs all but ensures their safety sitting at second position on the ladder as they look to take the fight to Maidenhead Royals at the top of division 8B. Henley set to stay at third on the ladder, play at Peppard Stoke Row next Saturday, who currently sit bottom of the table in what should hopefully be an easier matchup for the side as they approach round 15.