A BIRD IN THE HAND IS WORTH 2 IN THE BUSH!
WINDSOR 230 / 7 (52 overs) 25 POINTS
Bird 116
defeated
MARLOW 197 all out (43 overs) 7 POINTS by 33 runs
An unchanged Windsor travelled to play table toppers Marlow on the back of a confidence boosting win over Datchet the week before.
On arrival the batsmen were delighted to see what would have to have been one of the best batting decks in the league. The skipper Wes Nichols was fortunate enough to win the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.
Oliver Birch and Craig Bird opened the batting for Windsor as Birch fell in just the 3rd over of the day for 4 after missing a straight one from Hampton.
Andy Chorley then joined Bird and looked in particularly good knick after dispatching a number of short balls to the midwicket boundary, however he tried one pull shot too many and holed out to square leg with the score on 32.
Youngster Vishal Nair joined Bird in the middle with the game slightly favouring the home side. What followed was hopefully a sign of things to come from the immensely talented Nair as he played a magnificent supporting role in a 72 run stand with Bird.
The runs continued to flow for Windsor following the departure of Nair, with both Bird and Mark Lines finding the boundary on regular occasions. Bird became the 3rd Windsorian this season to pass 3 figures for the 1st XI. It was a sublime knock from the balding batting bastion and really set up Windsor lower order to a tea!
When Lines departed for 26 Windsor were very well placed at 181 for 4. Bird, Nichols and Weston all perished in the final overs in search of additional runs and the innings closed at 230 for 7 from the allotted 52 overs with Malloch on 21 not out.
Windsor were happy to have obtained their early goal of reaching 200 and 10 batting points. The innings was built around a faultless century from their senior batsman who is scoring runs at will at the moment. What was also very encouraging is that Windsor were able to progress from 32 for 2 to 181 for 4 with 2 of its most talented juniors at the crease.
Windsor took to the field aware that they had a competitive but by no means unassailable total to defend. The message from skipper Nichols was to go out and enjoy the 2nd half of the game with a nothing-to-lose approach.
In spite of being felled by some over vigorous encouragement from Ben Harris, Nichols was able to take the new ball. To Windsor’s delight the first ball found the outside edge of Trotter’s bat and flew to the waiting slips cordon who showed great teamwork by both handling the ball before Bevan Malloch clung on to a very difficult chance, it was just the start Windsor wanted.
Hudson followed his team mate back to the pavilion shortly after, LBW to a very quick delivery from Malloch. Malloch who is in rare form with the ball has been desperately unlucky in recent weeks, and a big haul must be just around the corner for him. Paskins then showed everyone at the picturesque Marlow ground why he is held in such high regard as he as he cut his way to 44.
Harris was thrown the ball by Nichols in an attempt to dislodge the free scoring Marlow batsmen who had pushed the score along to 60 for 2. Thanks to some fine bowling, shrewd field placings and sharp catching, Harris removed both Aslam caught by Chorley at short-leg and Paskins caught by Weston at short cover. Harris then had Barton stumped attempting a swipe that Lloyd duly removed the bails too and the game had well and truly turned in Windsor’s favour.
The fall of wickets brought Marlow’s vocal and talented overseas player Dixon to the crease. He looked to take the game back from Windsor striking a number of boundaries and the occasional 6. Brinkford, who had joined Dixon at the crease following the fall of the 5th wicket provided good support until hitting a rank full toss straight from Lines’ first ball straight to Harris who took a very well judged catch just a few centimetres inside the midwicket boundary.
Much to the joy of the gathering home crowd Dixon continued to take to the Windsor attack but he was running out of partners as Hampton and Line were both dismissed cheaply. Nichols brought himself back on to bowl and both finished the game and silenced the crowd by removing O’Tolle’s off stump… Another 25 points for Windsor!!!
Craig Bird, cheered on by his young family, was undoubtedly the player of the match with his stylish 116. However the contribution of Windsor’s younger brigade must not go unnoticed. It was especially pleasing to see Ben Harris remove 2 set batsman with quality off-spin bowling, and Nair and Lines getting starts in Windsors middle order. These guys are now not just in the team on ability or potential, they are winning games for the club.
Although Nichols (3/32) got the figures it was Harris (3/47) whose spell really turned the game. Mohindru was again his metronomic best as Mallochs figures continue to contradict his impressive form.
Next week Windsor host Maidenhead & Bray, whom have replaced Marlow at the top of the Division 2A table. This represents the 3rd consecutive game against a top 3 side harbouring hopes of promotion to Division 1. The team has the form, ability and confidence to once again put a large dent these hopes and perhaps pull –off a third victory on the trot.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 8:40 AM
|
WINDSOR MATCH IT WITH DATCHET...!
WINDSOR 119 all out (41 overs) 25 POINTS
Bird 53
defeated
DATCHET 104 all out (39.1 overs) 6 POINTS
Mohindru 5-6 (7 overs)
Nichols 4/37 (20 overs)
After a difficult week which included Windsor overseas having to pull out at the 11th hour, and massive amounts of rain fall upon Home Park on Wednesday and Friday night, Windsor played host to local rivals Datchet.
With Windsor tormented by unavailability it was a distinctly youthful look which took the field with Mark Lines coming back into the side and 17 year old Vishal Nair making his debut.
Datchet won the toss and inserted Windsor on a pitch which 18 hours before had been under an inch of water. The staff at Waterer’s led by Steve pulled out the stops on the morning of the game to produce a wicket that resulted great contest that tested the technique and nerve of both sides.
Windsor started quickly with openers Bird and Birch putting on 18 for the first wicket before Birch played down the wrong line of a straight one from James Lambert and was bowled for 14.
Chorley joined Bird and the pair moved the score on to a respectable 48 when in the 13th over Chorley edged one to the keeper off Lambert for 11. This brought Vishal Nair to the crease. Nair looked very comfortable as he and the balding stalwart Bird, moved the score on to 91 in a manner which was to contrast with the remainder of proceedings for the day. Bird went past 50 for the second game in succession and was unfortunate to be run out for an impressive 53.
With the wicket drying A. Dick changed ends and was replaced by J. Dick and the brothers Dick bowled well in tandem slowing the run rate and grabbing the wickets of Lines and Nair before the score had reached 100.
On a pitch that was now really testing the technique of the batsmen against a turning and seaming ball Windsor proceeded to subside to 119 all out in the 41st over with Andy Dick finishing with yet another 5 wicket haul against Windsor in a great performance.
With game on fast forward the Umpires decided that Datchet would face 10 overs before tea was taken. Windsor opted for the old ball and an ultra attacking field and were soon amongst the wickets as Malloch had Tilly caught at gully by Ben Harris in the second over bringing Tim Aldis to the crease.
Aldis and George moved the score on until just before tea when Wes Nichols had George caught at 1st slip by Bevan Malloch. Tea was taken with the game in the balance with Datchet at 30 for 2.
Upon the resumption Windsor kept applying the pressure. Ben Harris backed up by some great fielding particularly from the 'Ginger Ninja' Ollie Birch, bowled with great control and a huge amount of skill at the river end and was very unfortunate to remain wicket less.
There are not many 17 year old finger spinners who can contain players of the calibre of Tim Aldiss, his performance went a massive way to achieving Windsor the result.
With seven wickets still needed and Oram and Aldis beginning to look comfortable Nichols decided to take the new ball and soon after had Oram LBW leaving Datchet requiring 39 runs with 6 wickets remaining. Rahul Mohindru replaced Harris. And he and Nichols ratcheted up the pressure.
With Aldis looking on forlornly on at the other end, Mohindru tore through the remainder of the Datchet order. Backed up by his close fielders Weston, Lines at short leg and silly point respectively he exploited the turning track to have three batsmen caught in close off sharp bat pad chances as Datchet froze and were reduced to 101 for 9.
With no partners remaining it really was Tim Aldis versus Windsor. Realising that it was probably just a matter of time before Dick was dismissed at the other end, Aldis tried to attack Mohindru. But it was an ask too far. Mohindru saw Aldis coming as he advanced down the track and dragged the ball a little shorter resulting in Aldis skying the ball to deep square leg when Lines took a great catch.
Aldis finished on 60 out of 104 all out in a masterclass of batting and was the only Datchet batsman to really look to trouble Windsor on a very difficult wicket for batting. But Aldiss could not do it all himself as Windsor were very worthy winners.
It was an exceptional bowling and fielding display by Windsor who picked up their first 25 point win of the season lifting them to fifth in the table. Ben Harris was an unsung hero as he spoilt any chance Datchet had of rattling through in the early overs of the contest, which set things up superbly for the old stager Mohindru, who with the new ball showed all the guile and skill that has claimed him 300+ wickets for the club...
Wayne Lloyd in his first 1st XI game in 15 years was terrific as he gloved everything up to high standard, an amazing on a mine feild wicket, he did not let one bye through either, a great performance.
What was also nice to see was the Windsor colts starting to come though the sides ranks. Nair, Harris and Lines are all local juniors and under 18! It truly speaks wonders for Windsor colts system and the fact that these lads at such a young age can contribute in the 1st team. This coupled with more promising U/20 local juniors in the 2nd XI in Hartridge, Malik, Chana, Kellard and Riches makes the club look in very safe hands! Its up to these lads to take their chances when they come, something the Nairs, Maliks and Harris of the club seem to be doing well!
Next week sees Windsor travel to competition leaders Marlow. Windsor must bot get carried away with the win if they are to be competitive over there. With overseas DuPreez finally available pressure will be on for the lads to keep contributing to the side movement up the ladder
posted by Gurinder Singh at 8:40 AM
|
GOULDS GRACE GETS LUCKY 13
WINDSOR 280/8 (13 Points)
Gould 130
drew with
BURNHAM 212/7 (9 Points)
Nichols 5/81
On the back of 20 points last week, Windsor travelled to Burnham expecting another tough encounter that seems to bely meetings between the 2 clubs.
With the weather alternating between glorious sunshine and cloudy overcast, Windsor won the toss and decided to have a bat.
Windsor where extremely lucky to have the services of former colt Michael Gould to open the batting, and what he shown was a masterclass on the discipline as he dissected all the offerings the hapless Burnham!
Gould flayed all bowling around the ground, and with Birch tormented the Burnham in-field with incisive running between the wickets as they posted the first 50 in 7 overs.
The 100 was up after 19 overs as Gould had soared to 70 and Birch provided sublime support. The spinners where introduced and both openers continued to plunder the attack and by drinks, Gould had his 100, out of a total of 150!
After the break Birch departed with his score on 43, and Chorley continued the great work, taking advantage of a fast outfield. In what was becoming a bowler friendly wicket, Burnham off spinner Bashir, started to bowl a lovely spell, ripping the ball square at times to slow the Windsor run rate.
Gould was finally removed in the 30th for 130, as Millman and Chorley began to grow the total to 200+
Chorley (33) fell after a real gutsy innings that helped bind the middle order together. Huggins came and went as Nichols who with Millman looked to push the total beyond Burnhams reach.
Some wonderful bowling from Burnham really halted the progress of Windsor as Millman (24) fell with Murray soon after, leaving Nichols and Malloch to close the innings.
Both Bats struggled to emulate the free flowing style exhibited by Gould, in the face of some useful bowling but managed to tick the score up to 270 before Nichols (15) was caught behind in the last over as Windsor after 52 settled for 280/8.
The innings was built around the magnificent Gould as he was supported by handy contributions from Birch, Chorley and Millman.
Windsor thought that considering how difficult conditions where in the last few overs, 48 overs would be enough to have a crack at 25 points. The old ball was taken as Windsor thought to make early inroads but Burnham had other ideas as opener Rehman went berserk hitting all bowling to all parts of the ground.
After 6 overs with the old rock, the new one was called as Rehman continued with the juggernaut hitting skipper Nichols for 16 runs off one over! It was Malloch at the other end, who done a superb job pushing into a strong breeze, who picked up the first wicket leaving Burnham on track at 1/70 after 17 overs...
With Rehamn sprinting to 50, spin was re-introduced as Mohindru kept the runs down and the pressure mounting. Malloch was then swapped around with Nichols, who came in off a short run into the wind, and had immediate success claiming Rehman caught Gould at point for 70.
The next 10 overs were vital for Windsor as they looked to keep the runs down so they could launch an all out assault later in the innings. Nichols claimed 2 more wickets to leave Burnham 4/170 after 30 overs, as both new batsmen looked uncomfortable but still ticked the runs over.
Mohindru at the other end bowled without luck and grouped quite a few maidens together, as Nichols probed with the ball swinging.
With 10 overs remaining and 100 runs required Windsor set ultra attacking fields, with men crowding the bat everywhere and youngster Harris had the chance to be a hero! He replaced the ever reliable Mohindru at one end as he tried to extract the same rip that Bashir did earlier for Burnham.
However it was the ridiculously under-rated leg spin of Nichols who claimed the first break through getting Khan caught at first slip by Gould to push Burnham 5 down with 7 overs remaining.
Windsor gave away the bonus points to Burnham for scoring 200, as they looked to chip away at the order. Harris who bowled well without reward was replaced by Gould who claimed the vital wicket of Bashir (51) caught and bowled.
Nichols then claimed his 5th wicket as Khan mis-read a topspinner to be given LBW but time had run out for Windsor as Burnham comfortably saw out the remaining time to finish at 212/7.
In the end a draw was a fair result, Windsor certainly had the better of the game, and the 13 points to 9 received reflect this, but Burnham did well to starve them out.
Had Windsor not been 2nd last and Burnham 3rd last (With 5 points between them), Windsor could have been able to declare earlier and attack a little earlier in the innings with the ball.
But seeing the table is so close and congested, at this time of the season, Windsor need to be very mindful of what points that can hand out to opposition sides. they have already made massive blunders against Beaconsfeild and Basingstoke gifting them 25 points, something they don't want to do again.
Fingers crossed as the season progresses and Windsors table position improves, they will be able to play with a little more attacking flair that they would prefer. But at the moment it is 'horses for courses' attitude that needs to be fostered as they look to improve their standing.
Next week Windsor play host to local rivals Datchet. It will be a massive test for the home side as the 1st team is swamped with unavailability that they can really not afford against one of the best teams in the comp. Hopefully they can defy the odds and turn the tables as Datchet have certainly had the wood over the side in the past.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 9:59 AM
|
WINDSOR WIN... AGAIN!
WINDSOR 8/188 (20 Points)
C Bird 56
defeated
FINCHAMPSTEAD (12 Points)
On the back of an awful batting display the previous game. Windsor brought a new look side into their encounter with Finchampstead. Along with Bird being recalled instantly into the side, Huggins and Murray were selected on the back of some quality performance in the 2nd XI.
A pristine deck was prepared for the game which both batsmen agreed, would be perfect for batting. Unfortunately Windsor lost the toss and Finchampsted where about to get the first use.
Windsor started very well with the ball, as has been the case in the last few weeks. Nichols picked up 2 in his 2nd over and Malloch got another in his 3rd to leave the visitors 3/3 after 6!
When Malloch, who was bowling some with some sublime rhythm got an off-cutter to jag back, he claimed his 2nd wicket and Windsor with their tails up looked to progress.
The Finch batsmen in Brown and James played a steady rearguard as they limped the total to 4/40 after 20 overs. both survived a spirited opening spell as Bevan probed with some attacking bowling and Nichols served up some very viscous bouncers that had both bats on the back foot.
As James started to play some shots he got a few chanced as he was dropped of Nichols at 2nd slip and some others chances fell short. It was Malloch who got his 3rd wicket as James played a shot too many to be caught by Murray on debut.
Brown played a good skipper knock as he has some fortune go his way with a few edges landing between fielders. He was dropped on 30 at mid-off and from here looked to settle as after 32 overs, the off spin of Harris was introduced and the lack of pace was too his liking as he brought up his 50.
As Nichols began to tire, the veteran Mohindru was introduced and both off-spinners begum to wear the Finch side down. It was Harris who got the break through as Murray accepted his 2nd catch at deep Square. From here wickets fell regularly as Windsor heaped pressure on the tail to restrict the visitors to 8/183
It was a fine performance based upon the continued great form of Nichols (2/44) and Malloch (3/55) , the guile of Mohindru (2/33) and the exhuberance of Harris (2/55), who incidentally took a spectacular catch of his spin twins bowling.
The consensus was that 183 was not enough and Windsor started the chase in style. birch timed some great shots but fell with the score on 40 to a mistimed sweep, but with Bird at the other end flaying the ball to all parts and Chorley picking up his fine form the score shifted to 1/99 until Bird after scoring his 50 was caught in front LBW.
Nichols and Millman fell for ducks before Chorley edged one to 14 year old keeper Lincoln (who is destined for a fine career), to push the game back in Finchs' favour at 5/135.
Some nervous overs ticked away as some excessive appealing from the Finch side showed their enthusiasm for the points. Just as Windsor looked to have the game in hand, Huggins departed on 22 to a shot he would rather forget, to once again swing the game and leave Windsor at 6/160.
As the game ebb & flowed, Murray was a constant as he picked up singles, and rotated the strike , with usual lower order saviour Malloch and once again the game seemed to move back into the home sides grasp.
That was until both Murray and Malloch departed in the space of 5 overs and with Windsor at 8/168, the game was anyones!
But it was the spin twins in Mohindru and Harris who showed nerves of steal to pull the game into Windsors grasp with fine cameos and remain not out as Windsor claimed their 2nd win of the season.
It was a descent performance in light of the efforts from the week previous. The selections of Bird, Huggins and Murray where substantiated as they accounted for half the home sides runs scored.
In saying that Windsor were very lucky, as had it not been for the 20 opposition byes let through during the course of the innings, the result could have been a bit different. In actual fact if Windsor had held all the chances offered they probably would have been chasing a target more like 150.
Some extra fielding drills will be offered during the week!
Windsor are still 2nd last on the table and with the side travelling to fellow cellar dwellers Burnham this Saturday, a win for either side will help alieviate any pressure heading into the 2nd half of the season.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 2:41 PM
|
WOEFUL WINDSOR WOBBLE...
Windsor 86 (5 Points)
defeated by
Beaconsfeild 2's 176 (25 Points)
Nichols 4/35
In what can only be called an utter embaressment, Windsor totally capitulated to
Beaconsfeild 2's on the weekend to hold on to outright 2nd last position. They stand 7 points behind 3rd last so all is not lost, but continued spineless performances like the one displayed last week will end their season sooner rather than later.
Windsor travelled to Beaconsfeild with hope, after the comeplete performance the week previous, but that proved to be a false dawn.
Nichols won the toss and decided to bowl on a hard wicket that would assist his seamers. he was nervous about the way the wicket would play in the final 50, but was confident his bowling could reduce the opposition to a managable target.
Nichols and Mallaoch (3/50) started well as the Beaconsfeild openers struggled to score. Nichols nearly put one in hospital in his 2nd over as Francis who was not wearing a helmet, managed to get the tip of his elbow in the way a brute of a ball making a beeline for his head.
As Francis duly had some protection run on straight after, Malloch removed him caught at midwicket by Millman. He than got the better of fellow Suter as he had him LBW to leave Beaconsfeild 2/21 after 10.
Both openers plyed away and Mallach claimed another in the 17th to have the home side 3/35.
With Nichols bowling maidens and Malloch inswing penetrating the batsmen Windsor looked well pressed to get the opposition to a minimal total.
Just prior to drinks Mohindru (3/38) was introduced and claimed 2 wickets in 2 overs to leave Beaconfield 5/60 after 26 overs.
From here Beaconsfeild through Skitt & Alexander posted a fine reconvery, gently putting on 97 before Mohindru struck to leave them 6/165 and open up the tail and give Windsor hope at reducing the opposition to less then 180.
Nichols then reintroduced himself and with some clever death bowling claimed 4 wickets in 4 overs to knock over the home side for 176.
It was a great performance from Windsor's bowlers and in the feild as they restricted the home side on a good batting strip. It was also a fine performance from Skitt and Alexander, as they where the difference between windsor kncoking them over for less then 100, and getting the total they did.
Beaconsfeild took the old ball and and immediately had the gursts on the back foot, as off spinner Sullivan removed Birch out bowled.
It is fair to say that form here Windsor never recovered. Chorley was then run out leaving Windsor well and truly battered at 2/11 after 10.
The batsmen really struggled against Sullivan and allowed the offspinner to dominate proceeding as no one had the courage to counter attack. Millman was the out caught at cover and Chana finally was removed to leave the guests at an outright embaressing 4/30 after 20 overs.
From here Windsor where never going to win, as their top order could not muster the perserverance to deal with the fine bowling from Sullivan. Windsor could only score 37 runs to the drinks break after 25 overs. This broke any chance the middle order had of digging the side out of the hole as the home sides tails where up, the bowlers where set into dominate lines and Windsor capitulated.
Hartridge, Gregory, Malloch all where removed for single figure scores and Nichols and Mohindru tried a rear guard action to no avail. Baumgartner and young Harris tried in vein to steady the sinking ship but in the 44th over Beaconsfeild had their 25 point win.
To say it was embarressing is an understatment. Sullivan ended with 6/38 and without any shadow of a doubt dominated some of the inept Windsor batting, who seemed incapable of playing descent spin on a turning wicket.
The selectors have many questions to ask on Monday evening, but not as many as the players do in the next few weeks! Windsor seem incapable of putting together 100 overs, and unless something changes soon, They could be testing their wares in Division 3B...
Windsor host Finchampsted next week and a better showing will be required to help get their season back on track.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 8:28 AM
|
WINDSOR WIN... FINALLY!
WINDSOR 2/122 (20 Points)
Birch 59
defeated
FARNHAM ROYAL 119 (3 Points)
Mohindru 4/10
Nichols 4/48
After the bitter disappointment of last weeks game, Windsor were looking to put the past behind them as fellow cellar dwellers Farnham Royal 2's travelled to Home Park amid glorious June sunshine.
A considerable loss for either side could of put a massive dent on their 2008 chances of staying up in Division 2A, so Windsor looked on this contest as a must win encounter.
Nichols lost his first toss of the league as Farnham Royal elected the bat on a wicket that looks better and better each week, a massive credit to the Waterers ground staff after the problems of last season.
After a steady start, Malloch had Sahdra caught at midwicket by Gregory attempting to pull. A couple of overs later, Nichols has the fellow opener Perkins heading back, after Harris accepted a gentle catch at short cover.
Windsor really applied the screws in the next few overs via determined fielding and disciplined bowling as Nichols then had Choudary LBW and Sahdra bowled to leave the guests 4/26 after 10 overs.
After being in similar positions in the last 3 weeks, Windsor where determined not to let this opportunity slip. A spirited partnership from Van As and Farnham skipper Khan, resurrected things a little. Khan in particular looked to be getting in on the belter of a wicket before Mohindru was introduced the over prior to drinks and found reward right away, as he had Khan LBW playing the sweep to leave the visitors 5/60 after 26.
Immediately after the break, Nichols who was swinging the ball both ways to the batsman's mirth, captured Gillham bringing former Windsor CC player Pitt to the crease.
He took a liking to the tiring skipper and hit him for some well timed boundaries while Mohindru at the other end, fresh after a stint in the 2nd XI, kept the momentum in Windsor favour as he had Van As caught by Chana at deep square.
The old talisman used his guile to claim another wicket, capturing the dangerous Pitt LBW. It was a welcome return to form for Mohindru, who used his experience to push the ball through, varying his flight to bowl a stump to stump line. If the batsmen missed, they were in trouble.
Just like Nicholas, who gave Mohindru his 4th wicket as he suffered the same fate as 2 other of his team mates, LBW to Mohindru. At the other end. Youngster Harris was brought into the attack, and bowled with intelligence exceeding his years.
A cameo from fellow youngster Singh, was brought to an end, after he hit Harris for 14 runs in the over, went for one to many, gifting Harris his 1st wicket and Chana his 2nd catch, this time at long off to have Farnham Royal all out for 119 after 40 overs.
An early tea was called and Windsor went on the attack right away, with openers Bird and Birch enjoying the batsmen friendly conditions.
Both where scoring freely until Bird was out LBW to Pitt. Chorley did not miss a beat as he hit some superb drives to push the total towards 100. Birch brought up his 50, and was then caught and bowled Sahdra to a brute of a ball that leapt off a length.
This was a small blemish as new batsmen Chana, scored the winning runs via a cover drive for 4, to give the home side their first win of the season.
The win was set up through the great bowling of Malloch, Nichols and Mohindru. The later claimed enviable figures of 4/10 off 7 and the skipper chiming in for 4/48 off 18. Windsor really stuck at it during the middle third of the innings and did not give up when the pitch flattened out and the Farnham side looked to make some inroads to a higher target. It was testimony to the resiliance of the side as in previous weeks, these starts where in vein as Windsor could not keep up the pressure.
In all fairness, Farnham where unable to bring their best side on the day, but Windsor could only play what was in front of them, and an 8 wicket victory inside 65 overs shows the difference between the sides on the day.
The chase was superb as Birch keeps making leaps as a quality opening bat for the club and Chorley highlighted his value by hitting a flawless 40 no to get the side home.
Windor travel to Beaconsfield this week with a new found confidence. The side has found the appropriate bowling mix that going forward should put them in good stead and challenge most sides. Time will tell whether they can keep up the form and consolidate a secure position within the league.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 1:28 PM
|
WINDSOR NO MATCH FOR TABLE TOPPERS
WINDSOR 198 (8 Points)
Hartridge 62
Gregory 50
defeated by
BASINGSTOKE HANTS 254 (25 Points)
Nichols 4/49
On the back of an encouraging performance against Chiswick the week before, Windsor travelled to Basingstoke, who were top of the table and keen to enforce their position at home against the bottom feeding Windsor.
Windsor unfortunately where well behind the 8-ball prior to a ball being bowled, as in form batsmen Andy Chorley had to pull out mid week due to study commitments and middle order lynchpin Stuart Millman, broke his nose in a freakish training mishap on the Friday evening before the game.
With Windsor losing its 2 key men in the order, along with the absence of Bird, this was going to be a solid test for the younger lads in the club, and a perfect opportunity to stake a claim in the 1st side upon their return.
Skipper Wes Nichols won his 5th toss on the trot and inserted the home side on what looked a green wicket. With the extra seam options in the side, it seemed a reasonable idea and Nichols was the 1st to strike in his 2nd over claiming Darmody caught behind.
Malloch then chimed in claiming Vinn LBW, and then took yet another screamer in 1st slip off Nichols to knock over Thankachan to have the home side reeling at 3/8 after 8 overs.
Williamson and Giles then proceeded to very slowly rebuild the innings with both batsmen playing a missing a bit, the frustration mounted as Giles consistantly edged boundaries to 3rd man, keeping the runrate ticking, a credit to his experience.
Hartridge was then introduced and managed to knock him over LBW, bringing Rizwan to the crease. From here both bats dispatched some ordinary bowling on what was fast becoming a docile pitch.
Gregory was extremely unlucky not to claim Rizwan as Nichols dropped a sharp chance at short midwicket. This was really the only chance of the period as from 15 to 30 overs, the two bats dominated, until Malloch was re-introduced and bowled a peach of an off cutter to remove Williamson for 58.
Worse was to come for Windsor though as James succession to the wicket brought about an increased run rate that had the visitors struggling to qualm. The 17 year old Ben Harris was brought in to the attack to change things, and on what could be called a poor wicket for spin, bowled an extremely encouraging spell to keep the home side from bolting away completely.
At the 40th over the 200 was posted and Windsor looked dead and buried. Nichols and Gregory where then re-introduced to close off the innings and both bowled well, claimed 2 wickets each in their spell.
Gregory removed both danger men in Rizwan LBW for 64 and James caught of the last ball of the game for 64 to have the hosts 9/254 after their 52 overs. It was a fine comeback on debat for the all-rounder.
It was a superb recovery from Basingstoke after being 3/8, and their middle order really took advantage of the easy batting conditions. Windsor where enthusiastic in the field and special mention should go to Stuart Hayward, who was filling in at the 1th hour due to Millmans injury who kept going all day. The pick of the bowlers were Mallach 2/20 off 9 and Nichols 4/49 off 15.
Windsor started their chase in aggressive fashion with Birch and Chana putting away some loose balls early on in the innings. Birch was removed to a quality ball from James that removed his off stump.
Riches coming in at 1st drop and trying to force himself into the 1st XI as a permanent fixture looked superb as he and Chana looked to settle in. Tragedy struck as Chana was run out for the 2nd time in 5 games. It was a heart breaking end to Chana who looked in rare touch and plunged Windsor to 2/32. Riches then nicked one to 2nd slip off James 1 run later and Malloch missed a straight one off the evergreen Harsham to throw Windsors chase into dire straits, leaving them 4/36.
No matter what way you look at it, this was unacceptable. On a pitch that yelled out 'score runs on me' this showed the inexperience of the Windsor batting line up with out Chorley, Millman and Bird. There are quite simply no excuses, no matter what the lads say, there were probably to many stroke makers, and not enough grafters in the top order and that really did show.
It was left to Nichols and Weston to try and retrieve the situation but Weston nicked one to 1st slip off Harsham to push Windsor to the brink 5/47.
Nichols and Hartridge then began a partnership and looked well on top to push the total onwards to 100+, until was adjudged Nichols LBW as he danced down the wicket to Thankachan . It was a severly bitter pill to swallow, but was eased somewhat by the encouraging display of batting by Hartridge and Gregory, as they shown the top order how to bat.
Both started slowly and began to increase momentum as the Basingstoke skipper cunningly kept the field up and willed the Windsor batsmen to go over the top. Both certainly did oblige with Hartridge hitting some magnificent sixes!
The pair both scored their maiden league 50's and put on a 100 partnership as they moved the score to 181, before Hartridge who had been suffering from cramp, requiring the assistance of a runner was run out, the 2nd of the game.
Gregory then 6 runs later was removed, leaving Windsor well and truly in trouble at 8/188. With 1 point on offer for a score over 200, the players where then informed to go for broke.
Hayward in his 1st XI game debut managed to get 3 runs before leaving a straight one to be LBW, meaning it was up to the 17 year old Ben Harris and veteran Rick Baumgartner to get the Windsor side home.
Unfortunately Harsham (5/45 off 14.4) had other ideas, as he capped of a fine bowling performance on a batters deck with the score on 196. Baumgartner off the penultimate ball on the innings went for broke, only to be caught at short cover to hand the table toppers a 25 point win!
It was a great win for Basingstoke and they truly where the better side on the day. Their middle order really stuck together and grinded out a formidable total.
Windsor were dissapointing to say the very least. some of the top order let themselves down with some loose stroke play and the likes of Chorley, Bird and Millman cannot come back soon enough, to add some grit and resiliance.
The sides bowling probably left a bit to be desired in the middle 1/3 of the innings and with Kellard and Mohindru in the 2nd XI bowling their side to a great victory, it stands to reason their names will be brought up in the selection room this week.
An interesting break down of the innings cannot be avoided. Nichols and Malloch together, managed to claim 6/68 off 24 overs. The rest of the line up contributed 3/169 off 28. A telling tale. Bearing in mind the duo had the advantage of a new ball, it is still an area of concern that will need to be addressed in the coming weeks.
Windsor next week play host to fellow bottom placed side Farnham Royal. It will be a very good test of where the side is, and give a reasonable indication of where they are headed. With the 3 other Windsor sides all getting wins, and players coming back, there is going to be a turnover of personal in the 1st XI as the selectors strive to find the appropriate mix, that will best serve the side.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 8:39 AM
|
MALLOCH MAGIC!
WINDSOR 5/220 (15 Points)
Malloch 56
Millman 62
drew with
CHISWICK & LATYMER 9/217 (7 Points)
Malloch 4/53
With Windsor propping up the Division 2A table, they played host to Chiswick & Latymer on Saturday after a week filled with typical English drizzle. The Windsor side had brought in Tom Hartridge on the back of some consistent performances in the 2nd XI and gave youngster Ben Harris his debut as skipper Wes Nichols won his 4th toss in a row and decided to have a bat.
The wicket certainly has a few good seeds in it early on, but Nichols thought with his side being tentative at the crease in recent weeks, a few more weeks setting the target would put them in better stead, with the way the point’s allocation works in the competition, it is a more steady bet.
Openers Chorley and Birch started things off, with Chorley looking in a hurry to get things going hitting a few shots on the up to get the total rattling along quickly. Birch was first to be removed as he smashed a half volley into the bowlers stomach who fell over to accept the caught and bowled!
Chana came and went quickly, caught behind, as Malloch who has been promoted up the order, came to the crease with Windsor at 2/60. That soon became 3/70 when Chorley not only missed out on 50 but a massive 100 that was in the taking, holing out to deep mid off for 49. Fingers crossed he will take the chance next time! After all the chat in the dressing rooms before the game outlining the importance of not throwing you dig away and putting pressure on the middle order, taking responsibility for the game yourself and building partnerships, it was disappointing to see Windsor in this position.
However new batsmen Millman, who with Malloch obviously was listening to the skippers speech before the game, began to take advantage of a flattening wicket, steadily building the total to 100. As drinks came and went both batted beautifully as both brought up very much deserved 50’s through good running between the wickets and putting away the bad ball. Bevan was the first to fall for 56, once again throwing away what could have been a lot more, playing a rash shot to be bowled when accumulating singles was all that was needed.
Millman also fell soon after for 62, meaning it was up to new batsmen Nichols and Weston to get the side to 200+. Once again the message Nichols gave the players prior to the game should have been ringing in those batsmen’s ears! Not to take away from their magnificent partnership of 113, but one of these batsmen’s should have taking the responsibility of batting through to the end. It is not enough to get a 50, once you get there you MUST go on. This is an area Windsor have deplorably let themselves down in the past and need to address going forward if they are to be a force in the competition. You job is not done once you get to 50…
In saying that Weston and Nichols shown the guys how it should be done, taking little risk in putting on 40 runs in 5 overs forcing the total to 5/220, hitting the poor ball and hard running between the wickets.
Windsor’s total looked well beyond Chiswicks reach after 10 overs. Nichols claimed danger man Van Dan Burg caught 1st slip to the reliable Malloch, then Malloch stepped up to claim Davis and Gremitt, caught behind and bowled respectively. Nichols then got back in the act removing Scott with one that bounced a bit too much to spoon a catch to Weston at Mid-on.
With Windsor tails up, Hartridge was then introduced and his improving seam produced the piece of cricket of the day as Baumgartner completed a fabulous leg side stumping dumbfounding San Jose and his team-mates to bring Wrigglesworth to the crease joining Bhatia at 5/40. From here, they took advantage of the flattening wicket and launched a fine recovery.
Bhatia in particular manufacturing some ugly but extremely effect counter attacking at he raced to 70 and gave the away side some hope. Just when it looked like Chiswick where on top debutant Harris had the enigmatic Bhatia caught by a diving Chorley at backward square with the score at 6/140.
The lower order of Chiswick done a fine job as Bhatia’s brother came in and bottom handed anything up in his half to the boundary. The chase was on and with Windsor losing its grasp on the game Nichols brought back Malloch with 12 overs remaining and 50 runs required. It was just the tonic they needed as Malloch removed Wrigglesworth, and Bhatia to pull the game back in Windsor favour.
Some forcing and lucky shots pushed Chiswicks equation to 20 runs off 4 overs. It looked as though Windsor where going to be blindsided by a remarkable Chiswick comeback when skipper Nichols was hit for 10 off one over. With Malloch bowling tight and Nichols backing him up, it came down to the skipper to bowl the final over.
Chiswick needing 7 runs, Windsor needing 2 wickets. Nichols got one of them with his 3rd ball after Chiswick had previously taken 4 runs off his 1st 3 balls. With the number 11 needing 3 runs and Nichols need 1 wicket it was game on. The penultimate ball whizzed past the Singh’s outside edge and missed off stump by a whisker. It was a case of a missed opportunity as Singh eyes closed danced down the crease but Nichols could not deliver. He failed again next ball as Single haplessly played and missed again to a wider delivery that was obviously off target to give Windsor a winning draw and 15 vital points.
Windsor could should be pleased with the 15 points , but one cant help but be a little disappointed at having the opposition 5/40 in the 15 over, a 25 point win slipped away. On a belter of a pitch though, Chiswick done well and in hindsight Windsor done exceptionally well to have the side on the back foot. Malloch bowled well claimed 4/52, combined with 56 in the first innings completed a fine game. Nichols claimed 3/67.
Windsor travel to Basingstoke next week to take on competition leaders. Windsor has had their measure in the past and here is hoping that can continue, as a good win against them would leave Windsor well placed in the league.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 11:23 AM
|
BIRCH SCORES MAIDEN 100
WINDSOR 219 (12 points)
Birch 103
Weston 40
lost to
MAIDENHEAD & BRAY 5/222
Nichols 3/51
After the rain played havoc with the previous weeks game, pleasant weather meet Windsor as they travelled the Maidenhead & Bray to take on the new guys in the competition. Having looked at the form, the home side have proved themselves more than capable in the Division 2A competition, and Windsor knew they had to play good cricket to get the points.
Having inspected the wicket, Nichols, in winning his 3rd toss in a row had no hesitations in batting first on a belter of a wicket. With Chorley unavailable through study leave, Birch was promoted up the order to open with the steadily improving Chana.
The new opening combination started superbly, with Birch pushing Chana between the wickets. the pair put on 40 until Chana (18) was run out via a direct hit. Bird (11) than came to the crease and with Birch, built more momentum until he was bowled Bashir from a quicker ball.
Last weeks run scorers Nichols and Millman came and went without adding to the total, playing shots that suggested they where still batting on Windsors Home Park! Both where caught in covers playing on the up, bringing debutant overseas player Adam Weston to the crease.
From here it was one way traffic, as Birch brought up his 50, and Weston proved his worth, as the two ran hard between the wickets, pushing Windsor total past 150. The intelligence of the partnership was a subtle lesson for the Windsor boys as both took limited risks and took advantage of the defensive field set, to click at 5 an over.
With a score of 250+ on the cards, Weston (40) holed out to deep mid off, in a great knock on debut, bringing Malloch to the crease.
It was Birch though who with the 200 posted, scored his century with a trademark slap down the ground, easily the best knock played in the 1st XI for some time.
Unfortunately, when the side needed Birch to cash in he played a loose shot falling for 103, bringing in Davis. both Davis and Malloch struggled to come to terms with the pace of the wicket and perished in uncharacteristic fashion, Davis run out by the wicketkeeper and Malloch bowled playing a heave.
This is where Windsor lost the plot and continued to lose wickets steadily in the final overs finished with 9/219. This was disappointing to the extent that 240 was a par total and lack of patience by those lads meant that Windsor where behind the 8-ball.
The Maids attack bowled well at the death, but Windsor handed them a life line to win the game in capitulating for 4/30 off the last 7 overs...
Windsor need to value their wicket more and pay more respect to the opposition.
On a hard deck Nichols got the initial break through in the 3rd over claiming Khan caught behind bringing Bashir to the crease. Nichols bowled a threatening spell that had Kennedy saw best as he saw his life pass before his eyes as the skipper revealed his skidding bouncer that could have meant extra laundry for Kennedys mother!
In saying that Kennedy batted very well with Bashir and persevered, until in a great display of sportsmanship, he walked after a caught behind appeal off Malloch, which was initially turned down. This sentiment did not go un-noticed by the Windsor side.
At 2/80 in the 20th the game was on an even keel as Bashir and Kumar looked to consolidate the chase. They were going along magnificently, until Nichols claimed the dangerous Bashir to a sublime catch at 1st slip to Malloch, leaving Maids 3/121.
With the asking rate 5 an over, Maids looked shaky as the skipper than had Choudhary caught and boxing Maids in at 4/145.
With Kumar defying his young age and playing a great knock, Iqbal then entered the fray, and systematically belted both Mohindru and young leg-spinner Kellard to put the home side back in the game. After 6 overs of carnage, he departed for 35 (28 runs in boundaries!) and left Maids 5/195, with 8 overs to go.
From here Maids where in the box seat and Kumar brought up his well deserved 50, as Bezuidenhout joined him at the crease the score the winning runs with 3 overs the spare.
It was a superb chase from the new side in the competition and Maids heartily deserves their win.
It was a shame that Windsor, caught not bat better in the last stanza of their innings, as a score of 240/250, would have made for an interesting climax. In the end 219 was not enough.
Windsor have played well for 70-80% in their matches, but the small portion of the time they switch off has come back to hurt them.
Against Marlow, that final 10 overs certainly cost them a 20 point win and the final 7 overs against Maids whilst batting, certainly harmed them.
They really need to take ownership of the situation and all 11 blokes need to recognise that they need to play for 100 overs. Be patient, be sensible and concerntrate. With the division being significantly tougher than last season, every player needs to put their hand up and contribute.
The highlight of the day for Windsor was the knock from Birch. Now he has proved to himself he can do the job opening the batting, that many others knew he could, he needs to push his game into the next level. It was inexperience that resulted in him losing his wicket when he did, and although tough to admit, it had as much a bearing on the side not getting to the 250 mark as that terrible final 7 overs. the easiest runs you will ever score are those after 100...
Overseas player Adam Weston, had a great debut for the side and his continued performances during the season will be much needed! With SAF Glenn Du Preez set to arrive in a month, it will be a great contest between the two, to see who will get the 1st team overseas spot. At the moment, it is Weston's to lose.
The bowling of Malloch 1/57 was also great and he was unlucky to only get the 1 wicket as he bowled much better than the figures suggest on a belter, as Nichols continued his good form claiming 3/51.
Next game against Chiswick at home is sure to spark the lads into action as Windsor make changes, dropping Davis and Kellard from the side and adding Hartridge, fresh from a 5/45 two weeks ago in the 2nd XI, and young off spinning colt Ben Harris, who has been turning it lately.
Fingers crossed the guys can put together a performance for 100 overs and get the biscuits.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 12:00 PM
|
WINDSOR DRAW RAIN AFFECTED MUD WRESTLE
WINDSOR 9/145 (6 points)
Nichols 58
Millman 35
drew with
MARLOW 8/175 (13 points)
Nichols 7/59
After the prior weekends fabulous weather, it only stood to reason that the heavens would more than make up for it, as the rain and cold found its way to Home Park for the first XI's game against Marlow CC.
Marlow is on a fast track to get back to Division 1 as soon as possible after an abbreviation in 2007. Windsor had other ideas as they made only one chance from the side that was humbled by Datchet.
Six wicket all-rounder Brian Davis form the 2nd team forced his way in for an absent Bevan Malloch.
Windsor won the toss and with a juicy wicket at their disposal, skipper Wes Nichols has no hesitations in asking the opposition to bat. The overcast conditions meant that batting would be difficult but early breakthroughs paramount. He thought the conditions would also help his inexperienced attack of Davis and Hill.
It did not take long for Windsor to make the conditions count, as Nichols removed one of the openers to a fine catch at 2nd slip to Birch in the 1st over. Nichols was enjoying the new found pace in the wicket as he removed Marlows other opener and 1st drop inside the first 10 overs, caught be keeper Baumgartner to have the visitors reeling at 3/35. Davis at the other end was doing a superb job, bowling tight while Nichols capitalised on his good work at the other end.
Unfortunately the 1st of several rain delays haltered Windsors momentum. After the 20 minute break Windsor had to start again. Marlow capitalised on this but the 4th wicket eventually did fall as Nichols gained his 4th to a peach of an inswinger to cartwheel the Marlow SAF overseas middle stump!
Nichols then gained Marlows main man in Paskins to gain his 5th wicket and the have Marlow looking down the barrel at 5/69.
From here yet another rain delay pushed its way into the game. An early lunch was taken, As Marlow sought a way to carry on to the 44th and final over in the rain reduced fixture.
Unfortunately for Windsor, the rain in the outfield made the ball as slippery as soap. The rain had found its way into the seam reducing the movement the ball was offering Windsor, and from here Marlow found their stride.
Nichols claimed his 6th wicket to have Marlow 6/97 but a crucial 7th wicket partnership blew the game right open. With Hill struggling at the other end with the different conditions, Nichols was left the shoulder the burden as Mohindru was introduced to take the pace off the ball.
Marlow after getting a sighter, took full advantage of the bowling change, and punished the veteran off spinner by hitting some big 6's! Nichols was also coming in for some treatment, and some embarrassing moments in the slippery out field meant that Marlow was let right back into the game. From being 6/97, Marlow moved onto 8/175 off their allotted 44 overs.
This was a devastating for Windsor who had done all the hard work in the lead up, but let it all unravel in the last 10 overs, as Marlow scored 70 runs to push the game back in their favour.
Nichols was the mainstay of the attack claiming 7/59 off 22 continuous overs. Mohindru claimed 1/60 off 9 with Davis unlucky not to get more overs took 0/14 off 5. The rain and harsh conditions did make fielding tough, but there was no excuse for the embarrassing way Windsor capitulated under the Marlow pressure.
A 10 minute break saw Windsor face the tough ask of 4 runs an over in terrible conditions. Marlow with a new ball on a seamers paradise, claimed Chana for 0. Chorley followed a few overs later caught and bowled. At one end Hampton bowled a sublime spell of fast bowling getting the ball to talk as he removed Bird to a sublime delivery to be caught behind as Windsor had faltered to 3/19.
Millman and Nichols set about rebuilding the innings as they persevered in the tough conditions. Marlow could smell blood in the water as they set in for the kill, but the two Windsor batsmen stuck it out putting on 80 runs to build the score to 3/104 in the 30th over.
Windsor where well in the box seat, with Nichols well set and Millhouse hitting some solid shots but disaster struck when Millman fell for 35 to a fine leg cutter he fending off his chest to be caught at 1st slip. Birch than played a meek shot next ball, to leave Windsor 5/104 with 9 overs to go.
With batting difficult to get going without spending time at the wicket, Nichols was the only hope as he tried to keep the run rate ticking. He got his 50, but then Davis was removed shortly after LBW. Hill than fell next over for 0 and all hope Windsor had of winning fell with him.
Nichols in a valiant quest to keep the runs coming was then removed for 58, leaving Baumgartner and Monhindru to save a draw. Mohindru kept the visitors in the hunt losing his wicket with 3 overs to spare, but Kellard came in and was solid as a rock, to prevent Marlow form getting the extra points they really did deserve, and spare Windsor a 0 and 2 start to the season!
It was a game that was heavily influenced by the weather and a shame that Windsor, although winning the toss, where most adversely affected by it. In saying that the game was lost in the last 10 overs they where in the field, as a score of 140 would have been more than achievable, and had gotten Windsor 20 crucial points that they are going to need in this difficult league.
The only good things to come out of the day was the continued good form of Millman, the tight bowling of Davis and the performance of skipper Wes Nichols. Its not very often a player can claim 7/59, top score with 58 and be 1 wicket away from being on a losing side...
This Windsor side has alot of questions to ask themselves in the next few weeks, and the work to answer them starts at training.
There where murmurs at the ground from the Marlow visitors and others, that Windsor seems to be a one man team... The Windsor skipper was embarrassed to hear this, but only the 10 other lads fronting up next week can silence those voices...
Finger crossed the weather will hold out and Windsor can prove to everyone how good a side they can be. Time will tell.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 8:49 AM
|
Windsor Can't Match It With Datchet!
WINDSOR 196 (10 points)
Birch 48
Malloch 45
lost to
DATCHET 4/196 (20 points)
Aldiss 107*
The Thames Valley League finally got underway on Saturday as Windsor travelled to derby rivals Datchet amid sensational weather usually reserved for July or August. The banter started early as Datchet skipper Mark Sheppard proclaimed his side would 'humiliate' the Windsor outfit in the local press. Datchet have a lot of pressure heaped on them this season as they are popular favourites to take the title, whereas Windsor are looking towards the future and to consolidate the side blooding new players and enhancing their contribution.
The game saw the debut of Harmet Chana, and the return of Chris Kellard and Alex Hill, who spent all of 2007 in the 2nd XI. Selectors believe that their time has come to play their part in the 1st XI. The Datchet wicket was superb for this time of the year and the sunny weather during the week helped produce a belter, that upon winning the toss, skipper Wes Nichols decided to bat on first.
Chorley and Chana started in vibrant fashion, dispatching 33 runs off the first 3 overs! But once the ball started to swing, the scoring dried up, on the back of fine bowling for Datchet stalwart Andy Dick. In the 9 the over, Chana (15) showed a little inexperience, looking to play through mid wicket to Dick, who squared him up and had him LBW. The hard surface was to Dick's liking as he grabbed another 2 wickets in quick succession in Bird (5) to a peach of a delivery taking off stump and Nichols (0) in a contentious caught behind. Millman and Chorely began to fight back taking the score up to 50, before another difficult decision went against the visitors as Chorely (38) perished to the enigmatic Tilley LBW. Millman (12) than joined the top order, who were watching the game from the pavilion, also LBW to Tilley to push Windsor to the brink at 5 for 60. Datchet were well on top and it was no surprise that once Dick was removed from the attack, Windsor started to grab the ascendancy through Malloch and Birch. The two built a partnership through superb running between the wickets and dispatching the bad delivery. They were particularly harsh on Tilley, as Datchet allowed Windsor to obtain valuable bonus points as the side moved to 170, before Birch (48) fell to J Dick to a full toss on leg stump! This brought Hill to the crease as the running between wickets continued to impress as Malloch (45), looking to grab more bonus points was superbly caught on the boundary. The lower order in Kellard and Mohindru where left to prod Windsor to 200, after Hill (15) departed, but they could only muster a couple more runs as Windsor folded on 196.
Its was a fair performance considering the obstacles that where placed in front of them, and at one stage whilst at 5/60, 196 looked no chance. Birch and Bevan were great, but the fact remains that if they could have stuck around, a score more than 200 would have been achieved.
Windsor started well and truly on the front foot as Nichols knocked over Sheppard caught at 1st slip to the 2nd ball of the innings. Bevan struggled at the other end while Nichols bowling with great pace had George proddding around outside off. Thankfully for Datchet Tim Aldiss did not have that problem as he took his time early on and belted some glorious shots and started to gain the ascendancy. Hill was then introduced and he bowled a sublime spell of bowling to a well set batsmen in Aldiss, teasing him out side off stump getting great carry. But for all the effort Windsor where unable to knock over the mercurial left hander as he had scored his 50 with Datchet's score on 68! Spin was then introduced as Mohindru had George caught by skipper Nichols and Windsor started to believe. Drinks came and went and with new batsmen Tilley, looking to play his shots, young leg spinner Kellard as introduced. With Datchet's score moving to 2/130, Nichols was hoping that Kellard could claim a few wickets to get the side some more bonus points. The plan worked as Kellard had Tilly caught at 1st slip by Nichols, who incidentally let his side down next ball, by grassing new batsmen Jones, in what was a much simpler chance!This was just the benefit Datchet needed as they moved ever closer to the target. Aldiss brought up his 100 after hitting some magnificent 6's but Windsor did claim some consolation as Mohindru gave Windsor another bonus point by claimed Jones LBW. In the end Datchet got the required total 4 wickets down with 13 overs the spare.
The difference between the two sides was Aldiss. The fact he scored 110* in a total of 196 pretty much tells the story as to how valuable he is to Datchet's chances in 2008. If he stays fit Datchet will be right up there by seasons end. As for Windsor they played very well. Cricket is all about swings and round abouts, and to be frank some umpiring decisions did not go thier way. In saying that, that's cricket! Fingers crossed a few 50/50's go Windsor's way later on in the season! It should be said that the better side certainly won, Datchet truly deserve the bragging rights much more than Windsor.
Birch, Malloch and Chorely batted best for Windsor. Hill was the pick of the bowlers, even though he went wicketless. Windsor were sublime in the field with Bird and Chana in particular doing great things! All in all, to take 10 points away from a side like Datchet was a fine effort, and looking forward to the rest of the season, Windsor is sure to ruffle a few sides feathers.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 10:07 AM
|
MILLMAN, MALLOCH AND BIRCH THE SAVIOURS!
WINDSOR 166 (45 overs)
Millman (45), Malloch (38) and Birch (15*)
Defeated
BOYNE HILL 165 (45 overs)
Kellard 5/37 (7 overs)
After the freezing conditions in the previous weeks trial, the weather gods shone down upon a beautiful Saturday morning as Windsor headed to Boyne Hill for their 2nd installment of their pre-season. Windsor chose exactly the same side that played Egham the week previous as they try to build momentum heading up to the league.
Skipper Wes Nichols won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling on a green but soft wicket, that he assumed would get easier to bat on, as the day progressed.
With Birch seemingly no where in the sight, Windsor had to take the field with 10 men, as Malloch and Nichols resumed their combination from last season. They turned the screws on the Boyne Hill openers, in conditions that where tough for batting. After 10 overs Nichols struck with the last ball of his spell claiming Cousins caught and bowled.
Nichols then introduced a previously absent Birch who bowled with out luck, claiming the edge a few times and having a sharp chance shelled at cover. All this while Malloch at the other end, was bowling with decent rhythm but throwing in the odd random poor ball.
With the batsmen getting more settled against pace, Mohindru was introduced to dry up the runs. This built the required pressure and soon Hobson was caught by Nichols at cover to make Boyne Hill 2/80 after 19. A score of 200+ looking on the cards until Nichols and Mohindru combined to put the squeeze on the middle order. Boyne Hill skipper Tom Mellor scored his 50, but no else really shone as Mohindru claimed his wicket to a fine catch from Riches and the middle order struggled to get the ball away.
With brakes well and truly on, Boyne Hill trudged to 3/130 off 32. Kellard was introduced to tempt the middle order. Attacking fields were set to tempt the batsmen over the top. Kellard took a few overs to get his bearings, but once he did he cut through the Boyne Hill middle/lower order. Ex-Windsor player Smith holed out to extra cover as another ex-Windsor player Nick Cornish was stumped. Kellard began to toss the bowl up and the urge from the inexperienced Boyne Hill batsmen proved too much as they were knocked over for 165.
Malloch chimed in at the death to claim 2 well deserved late wickets, but it was Kellard getting the bowling honors with 5/36 off 7. Mohindru and Nichols were at their miserly best as 165 was thought to be a par total considering the conditions.
Openers Chana and Chorley looked to consolidate early on but a sublime spell of medium bowling from Preston put the brakes on. Windsor where 0/10 off 10 and there was a real lack of effort in running in between he wickets, this heaped loads off pressure on the middle order. This is an area that MUST improve! Chorley (1) was bowled by Preston playing around one from the metronomic Preston and Bird came to the crease. The painfully slow outfield made scoring difficult as Chana (11) gave into the pressure and holed out to extra cover.
From here wickets were lost regularly and the precision bowling of Boyne Hill, used the familiar conditions, put the punch into Windsor’s middle order. Bird (23) played on trying to force the pace, Riches (0) was unlucky to be given LBW to an inside edge and Nichols (1) was run out trying to rotate strike leaving the visitors looking down the barrel at 5 for 65 after 27 overs.
The loss of wickets was a direct result of the top order being unable to rotate strike. This was due to poor running, superb bowling and a very slow outfield. It was left to Millman and Malloch to show the other guys how it is done!
Millman and Malloch slowly set about re-building the innings with superb rotation and hitting the odd boundary. With 6 an over needed Windsor where always in the hunt with these two at the crease and some experienced batting meant that with 6 overs to go, Windsor needed 30 to win. The two had put on 70 before Millman was caught at cover for 45. A gallant knock that put the Windsor side in the box seat.
Birch and Malloch set about the chase in systematic style with brilliant running between the wickets the unorthodox style of Birch reducing the target to 3 off 1 over. Malloch (35) then fell with the finish line well in sight. This brought Mohindru the wicket who was run out but with 1 ball remaining and 1 run needed, Birch (15*) guided the side home in an exciting game.
The best part of the win was the fact that Windsor scored 100 runs in the last 15 overs where conditions where most suited to bowling with a very slow outfield. They paced their chase perfectly, with Malloch, Millman and Birch being the real heroes of the day.
The top order tried their best to keep things a float and a bit more rotation of the strike would have prevented this game from coming down to the wire. But in saying that, the Boyne Hill attack were outstanding with their disciplined lines, and that combined with the turgid out field, was probably asking too much of the Windsor top order, Boyne Hill deserved all the credit, they were too good!
As for Windsor's bowling, Kellard was good and the wickets should help his confidence. he bowled alot better when the bowl was tossed up and hopefully he will earn form this, he is an attacking option that should be called upon consistently if he keeps up the form. Birch was unlucky to go wicketless and Malloch done a great job at the death.
It was really Nichols and Mohindru who should get all the accolades, as they put Windsor well in the box seat with a uncompromising bowling partnership that yielded an amazing 12 runs in 12 overs! A great effort especially from Mohindru who is rumoured to turn 56 next week!
From here it is back to Home Park as Windsor play the strong Enfield. It will be a good test to see exactly where they are. With Malloch unavailable and 2nd XI bats hardly knocking down the door, it will be interesting to see what is the make up of the side. It will also be nice to play on a deck that should provide a more sporting contest for the batsmen.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 9:48 AM
|
CHANA STEPS UP AND MILLMAN TURNS BACK THE CLOCK...
The season finally got started for the Windsor CC 1st XI last Saturday as they played host to Egham CC in their first trial of the season. As the sleet and 7 degree temperatures covered the players like a wet blanket, short sleeve shirts where swapped for jackets and thermal wear!
Upon inspection the captains found that the ground staff had done a superb job and the wicket looked in pristine condition for this time of the year. New skipper Wes Nichols unfortunately lost his first toss as Egham decided to have a bat in the arctic conditions.
Bevan Malloch and Oliver Birch took the new ball as both shook free the early season cobwebs. It was the self proclaimed giant killer Oliver Birch who kept his past reputation in tact, as he got the initial break throughs in the 5th over. He bowled Smith with a peach that would have knocked over Michael Vaughan and then Hall 2 balls later! This was followed up by Malloch, whom by this stage has settled into a nice groove and claimed Egham skipper Watmore LBW, to have the visitors reeling at 3 for 15.
Egham posted a fine recovery with their overseas Boucher, punishing some poor bowling from the enigmatic Birch and gaining some momentum. The new batsmen Smith struggled at first with the introduction of Nichols playing out a few maidens, he was very lucky to survive a LBW, and should probably buy a pint to his team-mate who turned down the appeal...
From here he decided to make full use of the short boundary and unleashed some massive strikes over midwicket to ease the stagnated run-rate to the mirth of the Windsor skipper.
Mohindru was then introduced and gained immediate effect claiming the scalp of Boucher as Nichols knocked over the new batsmen Jones to bring No. 7 Hamilton to the crease.
From here the next 10 overs where all Egham as the introduction of Kellard saw Smiths eyes light up, as he belted the hapless young leg spinner. As the partnership brought Egham to 140/5 off 30 overs, Nichols reintroduced Malloch who tied things up and gambled by giving Mohindru his final over from the shorter boundary end. The flatter trajectory would prove more difficult for Smith to get underneath as he was caught by Birch as he went to the well one too many times. It was the end of a dashing knock that saved the guests from embaressment.
This change meant that Nichols had 2 overs up his sleeve. He choose prolific non-bowler Stuart Millman to complete the job. Most days he would struggle to get a bowl in a Chinese restaurant, but today was his day as he finished with 3/9 off 2 overs, Kellard would have paid £100 for even one of them!
Kellard bowled very well at the death as the pair along with desperate fielding restricted Egham to 30 runs off the last 7 overs, meaning Windsor would be chasing 189 for victory.
Windsor started cautiously as Chana and Chorley looking to consolidate in the first 10 overs to set a platform for Windsor’s explosive middle order. The constant drizzle started to impair the bowlers as they slid around and batting became more difficult as the ball stuck in the wicket.
This did not stop Chorley by punishing anything short and wide on his off stump and Chana from playing some exquisite strokes of his legs. The opening partnership got to 50 and Windsor were on track.
Chorley (38) than fell in the 18th over trying to forge ahead of the run rate and with wickets in hand was the right move. This brought Bird to the crease but the sluggish wicket made scoring freely near impossible if you didn’t have enough time to get in.
The asking rate was 6/7 an over needed from the remaining overs, which would have been easy in better conditions but the slow conditions meant Bird (1) got bowled trying to force the pace.
Unfortunately the drizzle turned into rain and both captains decided it would be best to finish the game up now rather than risk serious injury and hyperthermia. Chana (53*) and Riches (10*) in a fine cameo, were the not out batsmen as Windsor finished on 2/107, the rain ruining what would have been an exciting finish.
There where many positives in the day. Chana’s batting showed that he may have what it takes to nail down an openers birth in the 1st XI. He lead a fine batting performance that unlike last season held greater value on their wickets. The opening combination with Chorley looks to have got off to a solid start.
Windsor in 2008 must be vigilant at the crease and not give into pressure. These two were a fine example of what skipper Nichols, is trying to drum into the side. Fingers crossed it will continue.
Malloch and Mohindru where the pick of the bowlers and Nichols is hoping they will only improve as time goes on. Birch was inconsistent, dishing up diamonds one ball than rocks the next! Kellard also took some heavy tap in the very tough conditions but both stuck at it. These two lads will benefit with more overs under their belts in the coming trials.
All in all it was a pleasing day from a playing view point and it’s just a shame that this ridiculous weather hampered what would have been a very close game.
posted by Gurinder Singh at 10:50 AM
|
Close, but not close enough.
Windsor 223 for 6; 52 Overs
Basingstoke 2’s 175 for 8; 48 Overs
After the remarkable phoenix-like comeback of the week before, Windsor first eleven hit the road again to take on Basingstoke seconds last Saturday. Missing three regulars, a much changed Windsor team won the toss and skipper Craig Bird won the toss and chose to bat first on what looked to be a good wicket.
As with recent weeks, the wicket had moisture to start with and the overcast conditions early on, saw the ball moving around in exaggerated fashion. Whilst neither of the Basingstoke bowlers was of express pace, they would prove to be slippery as eels as Bird and Davis found it tough going, reaching 18 off the first ten overs. After a snail-like start and as the ball began to loose its lustre, the Windsor pair began to counter attack and reached the fifty opening partnership near the 20th over. Just as Bird began to break loose, he was unlucky to be adjudged caught down the legside off the Basingstoke off-spinner. Davis soon joined him back in the pavilion, chopping on trying to cut a ball too close to do so. When Chorley fell shortly after, the vultures looked to circling once again on another Windsor innings.
However, the resilience of Nichols and Millman shone through and the innings began to gain momentum. Millman playing with great fluidity was unlucky to go when a big score was on the cards. Hartridge then continued his good work from the previous week and Windsor began to build |
