Harpsden Cricket Club – Matchday Roundup
Thames Valley League – Saturday 10th May 2025

This weekend marked a powerful and emotional start to the 2025 cricket season, as both the Harpsden 1st and 2nd XIs took to the field with purpose and pride, playing in honour of Ross Ashcroft. The boys turned out exceptional performances, with both teams not only securing dominant victories but also delivering cricket that Ross would have been proud of.

🏏 1st XI vs Peppard Stoke Row (Away) – Won by 129 Runs

Harpsden 1st XI opened their Thames Valley League Division 3A campaign with a commanding 129-run victory. After being put in to bat, our top order laid a solid foundation. Kirk Graham (53) and Zac Jones (18) saw off the early overs before the innings was taken over by Christian Whittaker, who smashed a sensational 104 off 112 balls, including 4 sixes and 8 fours.

Ollie McConkey (39), Angus Cripps (18), and Stefan Franklin (15) all contributed to push the team to a formidable 276 for 7 in 45 overs.

In response, Peppard Stoke Row were rattled by a disciplined and aggressive bowling display. Zac Jones led the charge with 4 for 43, backed by Kirk Graham (2-16) and Matthew Stanley (2-25). Peppard were bundled out for 147 in just 26.2 overs.

Standout Moment: Christian Whittaker’s century – a masterclass in controlled aggression and timing.

🏏 2nd XI vs West Reading (Home) – Won by 201 Runs

Meanwhile, at home, the 2nd XI lit up the Harpsden ground with a dominant display, crushing West Reading by a staggering 201 runs in their Division 7B opener.

Opening pair Blake Barrett (87) and Ben Hancock (28) got the side off to a flyer, followed by fluent contributions from Alex Morgan (25) and a belligerent 66 off 36 balls from Adrian van Rensburg. The innings was anchored by captain Will Stevens, who remained not out on 90, leading the team to a huge 320 for 5.

In defence, the bowlers were ruthless. Blake Barrett took 3 for 37, while Rod Birkett and Qaisar Abbasi grabbed two wickets apiece. Despite a lone stand from Abdur Raheem (60), West Reading were restricted to 119 for 9, with only ten players available to bat.

Standout Moment: Will Stevens’ unbeaten 90 and sharp captaincy capped off a complete performance.

💛 Playing for Ross

Both teams carried an extra sense of purpose this weekend, representing Harpsden not just in competition, but in honour of Ross Ashcroft, whose memory lives on within our cricketing family. The boys played with spirit, togetherness, and a love for the game that would have made Ross smile.

Two wins. 650 runs scored. 20 wickets taken. One club united.