Olly Clayson’s side began the day in sixth place ahead of their trip to the runners-up, but a cruel series of results led to them dropping into the bottom two.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, continuing their impressive recent form by racking up an imposing 235-6 on a fine batting track despite the best efforts of the prolific bowling duo Zahid Mohammed (4-71) and Zubair Khan (2-37).

And Sonning struggled in reply, with Ross McAdam’s 55 the only real innings of note as they crashed to 175 all out in the face of some fine bowling from the hosts and in particular seamer Wasim Maharoof (5-46).

The result meant Sonning took just six points from the game, which left them in peril in an incredibly congested bottom half of the table.

And with Bagshot claiming 25 points to Aldershot’s eight in their clash - the two sides directly behind Sonning at the start of play - both clubs leapfrogged the Pound Lane side.

And Sonning’s fate was sealed after Slough 2nds - who included their first team overseas professional Shahid Yousuf and former Middlesex man Shaan Khan - beat basement boys Thatcham Town to escape the relegation zone.

A miserable Division 4b campaign for Sonning 2nds at least ended with a win as they secured a four-wicket success at home to North Maidenhead 2nds.

The visitors chose to bat but never got going in the face of an outstanding bowling display from Sonning, with wickets shared around.

Kevan Smith (3-18), Raja Rafaqat (3-26), Raheem Shaker (2-33) and Dave Rintoul (2-46) did the damage as Maids were skittled for an underpar 139.

And although the hosts lost wickets throughout their reply, useful knocks from Stephen Mankee (34), Gary Phillips (29), Rob Dewey (25) and Shahid Khan (25) secured the win.

l FORMER England cricketer Phil Tufnell was the guest of honour at the club’s President’s Day.

The left arm spinner, who has since forged a highly successful media career, appeared in front of a 400-strong crowd gathered at Pound Lane.

He scored 10 runs although later admitted when commentating on Test Match Special that he “twanged” a hamstring and “Sonning may have seen the last of The Cat on the cricket field”.

Tufnell also took part in an ice bucket challenge which raised £125 for charity.

The event proved the most successful ever thanks to the backing and vision of president Max McNeill and his wife Paula.

On the field, club captain Clayson hit the penultimate ball of the match for six over square leg to seal the win for Sonning against the President’s XI in an absorbing 25-overs per side clash.