Windsor Cricket Club

Farnham Royal 177 all out (Harris 3-20)

lost to

Windsor 178 –2 (R.W. Noble 76*, V.Nair 54*)

Windsor got their Sunday season back on track with a comprehensive 8 wicket success over neighbours Farnham Royal, in a game where Windsor Impressed in all departments.

On a reasonable wicket, which would only get drier, Windsor opted to bowl first, although struggled initially as Ian Pulsford was quickly on to anything short from opening bowlers Ahmed and Birch. However, once Birch had trapped Pulsford in front for 31, Windsor never really lost their grip, playing tight cricket, which resulted in 2 run outs. Ian Bucknell and Dan Simpson tried to get Royal to something respectable but Windsor’s bowlers bowled intelligently. None more so than Ben Harris whose excellent spell of 3-20 off 8 overs was complemented by some excellent work in the field. Weston and Birch both got through 8 overs each, going for under 4 an over, and Farnham Royal’s total of 177 looked a little short of par, on a surface getting better as the day wore on.

In reply, Robert Noble and Harmeet Chana got Windsor off to a good start, putting away the loose ball when offered. After 2 glorious boundaries, Chana chased a wide delivery which probably would have been called a wide, and only succeeded in directing straight to point for 16, with Windsor on 27. Ollie Birch hit a couple of pleasant drives before he had his off stump knocked back, and at 50 –2, Farnham Royal sensed they might be in the game. However, Vishal Nair joined Noble, and the pair gradually took the game away from the visitors. With sound defence and good execution of the loose ball, both batsmen looked increasingly at ease. At the drinks break, Windsor had reached 100-2, and in the early evening sunshine, a relaxed Windsor camp watched Noble and Nair continue to work there way to the 178 needed. Noble reached 50 shortly after drinks, and with Nair growing in confidence, the result never looked in doubt. When Farnham Royal finally turned to some spin it seemed too little too late. Indeed this did put a bit of a brake on the scoring, but with plenty of overs to spare Noble and Nair could afford to be watchful. Young Nair also went to fifty with a couple of big leg side shots which pleased the balcony after a fairly sedate few overs. Victory finally came in the 34th over as Nair pulled a one bounce 4 to the boundary.

As both batsmen walked off in the glorious evening sunshine, they could reflect on a job well done. Noble had soldiered through the whole innings for 76 not out, having been on the field for the entire game, while Nair again showed his considerable promise with an unbeaten 54. This was a good win for Windsor, good tight bowling, keen fielding and a well timed run chase which showed not only the depth of talent Windsor have currently, but also showed an excellent team spirit which bodes well for the future of the club

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:59 AM | 0 comments

Chipperfield 221-5 (40 overs)

Beat

Windsor 166 all out ( 35.2 overs)

On 22nd June, Windsor made the lengthy journey to Chipperfield as part of their Sunday league programme, where found excellent facilities and a pleasant location. Chipperfield won the toss, and Windsor’s rather inexperienced opening attack of Usman Ahmed and Sam Jordan, failed to make early inroads as Chipperfield’s openers enjoyed the easy paced wicket and the all to regular loose ball. It was tough going for Windsor who despite working hard in the field, faced an uphill battle to contain their hosts. Captain Umar Malik had little bowling at his disposal, trying out Vignesh Venkatragaman and Dave Riches before he turned to himself to finally get the breakthrough with a caught and bowled with the score on 113. Despite a good spell from Malik, and leg spinner Chris Kellard, who was intelligently used to bowl the last 8 overs, Chipperfield ended their allotted 40 overs on 221-5. Indeed this could have been a lot more if it wasn’t for some spirited fielding and restrictive slow bowling towards the end of the innings.

Windsor’s reply got off to a positive start with Harmeet Chana and Robert Noble working the ball around well in pleasant late afternoon sunshine. However with the score on 38, and on the verge of greater things, Noble nicked on behind. This was a story of the innings as Chana scored runs steadily from one end, only to loose partners just as they were getting set. After Noble’s departure, Riches, Doye, Malik and Nair all played all to brief cameos. Chana went on to a well deserved 50, but by the time Jordan had been run out, and wicketkeeper Care had been undone by a slower ball, the game was up for Windsor. Chana finally fell for a battling 71, but this was the only innings of real substance, and Windsor were finally all out for 166.

This was a enjoyable days cricket, at a nice location. Windsor with a rather limited side had certainly not disgraced themselves but ultimately fell some way short of challenging Chipperfields total. They needed a bowler or 2 more, and needed a couple of batsmen to support the man in form. This however should not detract from a good team spirit which no doubt will bounce back soon.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:57 AM | 0 comments

Windsor -VS- Naser Cricket club - 15/06/2008

Windsor 194 All out. R.Noble 71
Nasir 195-6 28 Overs. Reeshan 106*
Kellard 4-33
Nasir won by 4 wickets.

With the league game cancelled, Windsor were just glad to have a game on a day like today. Malik won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a belter of a track.

Nasir bowlers started off in great fashion, Zishan dismissing Birch and Huggins very cheaply for 2 and 0 respectively. Malik was in next and with Noble steadied the ship and looked to be going well, especially Noble who was punishing anything loose. Malik was the next to depart, with the score on 43. This bought young Mark Lines to the crease who looked to have picked up where he left off the day before, playing some lovely shots all around the ground. Meanwhile Noble closed in a well made 50. The pair put on 95 before Lines was bowled by Zishan. Sam Jordan was in next and was bowled trying to leave one outside off stump. The Windsor innings fell off the rails a bit here with wickets falling on a regular basis. Noble was caught out for 71 in the deep next trying to push the score along. Care made it two in two balls trying the same. Kellard and Ahmad finished off the Windsor innings with some unorthodox hitting, but nothing Windsor wouldn’t take as this stage of the innings.

With a target of 194, Nasir batsmen set off on the chase in great style. Reeshan especially punishing Ahmad and Jordan for anything loose, and some not so loose. Kellard was introduced fairly early into the innings to stop the flow of runs. He struck early, catching Annez off his own bowling. The next three batsmen offered little resistance against Kellard who dismissed them for not many, one of them an absolute screamer held onto by Harris at long on. However, Reeshan was going strongly and got to 50 in no time. Little Ben Harris was given the ball next and with Kellard bowled superb, and was awarded a deserved wicket. Lines was introduced and bowled well for his wicket. Harris had completed his 8 overs, but Reeshan had taken the game away from Windsor single handedly, ending on 106 not out.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 5:39 AM | 0 comments

North Maidenhead -vs- Windsor - 18/05/2008

North Maidenhead 158 All out 36.1 Overs
Windsor 160 – 2, 35.1 Overs

First league game of 2008 and a great win for the development XI.

Hill and Ahmad started off with a tidy few overs; Ahmad got a deserved breakthrough, caught well by Care. This bought Charl Peterson to the crease who took advantage of anything short or over-pitched, it took a very special delivery from the young Ben Harris to bowl him for 49. Kellard and Harris kept probing and both finished their allotted 8 overs with 2 wickets each. Weston and Malik clean up the bottom half of the team, taking 2 and 3 wickets respectively.

Windsor batsmen were set 159 to win and got off to a shaky start, losing Huggins in the very first over. Opening the bowling from the other end for N.Maidenhead was Peterson who bowled the sharpest spell of fast bowling seen by most Windsor batsmen. However, once Noble and Riches saw him off, Windsor were cruising. Riches played well for his 33 until he was caught guiding one through the slip cordon. Weston came to the crease next and with Noble saw off a second spell from Peterson, taking Windsor home in 35.1 overs.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 5:38 AM | 0 comments

Sunday 11th of May 08

Windsor C.C 177-8 vs. Phoenix 166 All Out.

On a beautiful day and a belter of a track, Malik won the toss and elected to bat. Windsor got off to a great start with Devilliers and Malik punishing anything loose. Devilliers was the first to get dismissed, lobbing one in the air to mid-wicket for a very well played 44. Malik was set and kept the score ticking with Lickley. Malik was next out, well caught in the covers for 45. There were some valuable contributions in the middle by Care 21, Khan 14 and Lickley 10. Windsor finished on 177 with Kellard chipping in 11 at the end.

Phoenix got off to an explosive start, going at 8 an hour for the first 10 overs. Bean got the breakthrough and then the spin-twins, Harris and Kellard came into their own. Both bowled magnificently, both were on-a-hatrick and between them took 7 wickets, Harris finishing with 4. There were some great contributions in the field, Lickley taking an absolute blinder off Kellard, Malik and Devilliers taking two catches off Bean in the outfield. Wickets fell regularly through Harris and Kellard. At 120-8, the game looked to be in Windsor’s favour, but Phoenix batsmen started finding singles freely and the game was tipping in their favour. Devilliers then came on and after a few tidy overs was eventually rewarded through a quick stumping by Care. Bean was then handed the ball and bowled well at the death, taking the final wicket when Harris latched onto the end of one in the slips. Windsor won the game by 11 runs.

All in all, a great day of cricket, looking good for the start of the league!

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 8:46 AM | 0 comments

Windsor vs. Chalfont St.Peter

Chalfont St.Peter 171 all out
Windsor 175 -4

Dynamic Windsor get league campaign off to perfect start


In their first league game of the year, Windsor sunday 1st's enjoyed a comprehensive win over Chalfont, with a performance that was notable for some good bowling, dynamic fielding and a highly efficient run chase.

On a pitch that was slighter harder than the previous day, bit by no means a batting paradise, Chalfont won the toss and batted on a sun bathed Home Park. Before the game, new captain Wes Nichols explained to his mostly young side that the emphasis was to use sundays as devopment and progression. This emphasis was quickly put into practice as Windsor's opening bowlers Kev Condon and John Holmes both bowled good opening spells backed by highly vocal and keen fielding. Chalfont lost their first wicket when Condon snared the opener down the legside, with Martin Care pulling off a neat catch. Chalfonts number 3 looked a class act with several seering drives but with the score on 41-1, a calamitous mix up saw him at same end as his partner, and despite a frantic effort to back the bowlers end, Noble's throw to Condon saw him run out. Some may call that luck, but a combination of dot balls and tight in-fielding had led to Chalfonts frustration and ultimately, this run out. Windsor never really lost their grip and cotinued to keep their cricket tight. Lewis and Nicholls both took a wicket each, while Jordan Thompson continued his fine start at Windsor by bowling a tidy spell of left arm Medium pace. In Chalfonts middle order, Khan led some good restiance with a fine 50 but wickets fell at the other end, Spinners Kellard and Alam both picking up good wickets. Another run out ended the Chalfont innings, as they closed on 171. Windsor had a fine job first half. Good bowling and fielding backed by good catches from Malik, Condon, Thompson and keeper Martin Care, who kept wicket virtually without flaw, promping some observers to ask why he was currently playing 4th team saturday cricket.

With 172 needed in 40 overs and the wicket starting to resemble something like a half decent batting surface, drying under the early sumer sunshine, Windsor begun their run chase with Rob Noble and Kevin Condon, knowing that sensible cricket would see Windsor home. These two follwed their captains instructions, saw off the new ball without alarm and started to move the score along. Kev Condon in particular played some sparkling shots all round the wicket. A welcome sight from a talented player. By the time Condon was bowled for 37, Windsor had 62 on the board and the ideal foundaion. Alam came to partner Noble and sraight away took the the attack to Chalfont. Windsor had soon passed 100, and victory was in sight when Alam was bowled trying hit a 3rd 6, for 47. Noble at the other end was happy to play the anchor role and with the score on 151-2 with just 21 needed he set off a rather ambitious single and was run out for a patient 45. Umer Malik was then bowled for 5 and Windsor finished the game with Nicholls and Weston pushing Windsor over the finishing line with 4 overs to spare.

This was a good win for what could possibly described as a Windsor Development xl.Everbody had played their part and the side was well led by Wes Nicholls, whose tactical instinct and player management had been ,by universal agreement, outstanding.

If this a sign of things to come for Windsor sunday cricket then a good season looms.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 5:45 PM | 0 comments

A Sunday Sermon:
Windsor CC vs. BWIA CC, Cockspur Cup 1st Round

Windsor 90 all out; 27.1 Overs (Weekes 5 for 12)
BWIA 94 for 4; 21 Overs

In a new venture for 2007, Windsor played their first game in the National Cockspur Cup last Sunday against the British West Indian Association Cricket club at The Home Park. The tournament, comprising of some 397 clubs nationwide, has seen BWIA reach the semi-finals just last year. With this in mind, Windsor knew they were in for a testing day. On a stunning April afternoon, Windsor won the toss and chose to bat first on what looked a hard pitch.

The relaxed BWIA team took the field in confident mood and were soon on top of the Windsor top order. With the score on 10, Windsor lost opener Davis, trapped in front without troubling the scorers. New batsman Granger, in typically ebullient manner, began to attack the bowling. Weekes however, had other ideas. Bowling accurate pace from the Castle End, he removed Granger with a sharp caught and bowled. His next three overs saw the innings capitulate, removing Weston to a harsh lbw, Huggins caught at third slip and Smith with an exceptional yorker. Weekes’ 9 allotted overs cost just 12 runs.

Skipper Nichols, was the only Windsor batter to come close to mastering the BWIA attack and along with small partnerships from Howard, Hill and Condon, steered Windsor towards three figures. BWIA though, had a final card to play in the form of the left-arm express bowling of Cornelius. Ably, supported by Semper (3 for 11), the pace-man bowled arguably the quickest four overs seen on the Home Park in many years. Windsor’s innings finally closed on 90 when Kellard play an ambitious slog.

With a low target to defend, Windsor took the field with pride at stake and a very fired up Granger immediately made an impact. The ball that removed Sherif saw a flying Smith take a fantastic catch down the leg-side, only to injure himself in the process. BWIA had been looking to finish things quickly, but tight bowling by Granger and leg-spinner Kellard, made runs difficult. Nichols then entered the fray and continued to make life difficult for the batsmen. Creese’s patience soon ran out and Nichols removed him with a “made-to-measure” slower ball that he failed to pick. Windsor continued to press and through some excellent fielding made scoring more and more difficult. A fine catch by Howard saw Nichols pick up his second to another brute of a ball. When Hill removed Aswee for a duck, Windsor saw a glimmer of hope. This was only to be removed when Bass and Corbin decided that they wanted to hit the bar early and began to open their shoulders. Despite some fine bowling, BWIA were able to reach the moderate target with 6 wickets in hand and 24 overs to spare.

Whilst largely outclassed by a fine side, Windsor left the field with heads held high and respect gained from the opposition. Against a team of largely professional cricketers, rather than rolling over to die, the team fought hard and made BWIA work to gain the runs. This augurs well for the forthcoming league seasons and highlights the strength that Windsor have developed within the playing ranks. The club wishes BWIA well and are sure they will be a force to reckon with in the next rounds of the Cockspur Cup.

Windsor returns to local friendly action this Sunday with a trip to Bracknell.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:41 AM | 0 comments

Sunday 30th July 2006 - Maidenhead Advertiser Sunday League

Windsor CC 1st XI vs Burnham 1st XI - Windsor Won by 6 runs

Windsor 135 All Out (Davis 33)

Burnham 129 All Out (Cornish 4-22)

With the Sunday League nearing its climax Windsor travelled to the memorial ground for a must win game against an undefeated Burnham side to keep their title hopes alive. Upon Windsor winning the toss Windsor Skipper Noble had no hesitation in batting first on worn looking surface.

Riches and Davis got the Windsor innings off to solid start as both played a number of fluent shots against Burnhams new ball attack. However, the introduction of spin changed the course of the game with over seas player Abbas extracting turn and variable bounce. With batting becoming increasingly difficult, Davis was the first to perish as he tried to force the scoring along. This brought Windsor’s French Overseas star Justin Granger to the crease who quickly upped the tempo with his trade mark hitting and aggressive running. However, Riches soon departed stumped as he attempted one big shot too many. This then brought about a flurry of wickets as Granger then holed out off the bowling of Windsor turn- coat Mohindru. Huggins came and went, as he too struggled to cope with the Burnham spin. South African Smith looked a little more comfortable against the spin hitting Mohindru for six. Condon then returned an easy catch to Khan and Nichols was soon back in the pavilion after been deceived by Khan’s quicker ball.

The Windsor batting was then subject to some suicidal running between the wickets. First to go was Doye as he stalled when called through for a quick single. Skipper Noble then followed without facing a ball, as he was called through for a single that wasn’t there. Finally Smith completed his hat-trick when he called Cornish through and he was run out by a direct hit. With the Windsor innings in disarray Smith continued to counter-attack, hitting Mohindru for a second huge six. Last man Lines was soon to follow also falling to the bowling of Khan. Windsor’s innings finished on 135, which looked well short of a par score, leaving Burnham’s skipper Mohindru to question Windsor’s decision to bat first.

In reply the Burnham innings got off to slow start with Granger and Nichols bowling tight lines and the Burnham openers looking for a solid start in reply to Windsor’s small total. Nichols was the first to make the break through as Shahid top edged a bouncer to keeper Davis. Granger then struck removing Abbas L.B.W and Windsor were back in the game. From here on the game ebbed and flowed as wickets fell at regular intervals. Nichols then claimed his second victim as Granger claimed a sharp catch at cover. It was the introduction of Cornish that swung the game in Windsor’s favour with two wickets in two balls, the second of which saw him clean up overseas star Khan with an in swinging yorker.

The game was then evenly poised at 59-5 but, with Saturday 1st XI skipper Khan at the crease, the game could still go either way. Khan then looked to take the game to Windsor with two big overs off the bowling of Smith. However, as he looked to take on Cornish he only presented a steepling catch to mid on which was well held by youngster Lines, as the game started to move back into Windsor’s favour again. Cornish then took his fourth wicket with a catch at gully by Condon.

With the pressure starting to tell there was a run out as skipper Mohindru called a suicidal single and Granger made no mistake from cover. Mohindru with some determined batting looked to see Burnham home with Windsor’s total almost in touching distance but he edged behind off the bowling of Lines and Windsor could sense victory now. It was left to Smith to bowl the Burnham no. 11 as Windsor scraped home by 6 runs.

Windsor now go into their final two games knowing two victories will see them lift the Sunday League title for the first time.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 8:27 AM | 0 comments

Kellard comes of age!

Windsor 160 all out; 33 overs (Birch 63; Noble 38)
Lord’s Taverners 161 for 7; 31 overs (Hinks 61, Kellard 4 for 13)

After many months of hard work and preparation, the visit of Mike Gatting’s Lord’s Taverners team to Windsor Cricket Club, was a fabulous success this past Sunday and saw a huge swath of sponsors, players and spectators enjoy a fabulous day’s cricket. A star-studded team of Taverners were entertained to a tea by the marvellous surroundings of the town’s premier club.

Upon winning the toss, the Taverners chose to bat first. Opening bowlers for the Taverners were Andrew Green (of Radio 4 fame) and Vince Wells (Former England One-Day international), who both found exaggerated movement and had Windsor regular openers Davis and Bird feeling for the ball in a nervy start. Davis was unlucky to be first to go, adjudged lbw despite a very audible inside edge off Green. New man Smith didn’t hang around either as an overambitious swish to leg saw him bowled by a Green away swinger. Green then left proceedings to avoid bowling the entire Windsor side out. Huggins departed shortly after for the second duck of the innings to a brute of a leg cutter from Wells and when Bullock departed to Salmon shortly after, Windsor were in deep trouble at 24 for 4. A brief cameo from skipper Bird was cut short by a top edge from International rugby referee Chris White. This brought Birch to the crease to join Noble in an innings changing partnership.

Both started nervously and would find runs hard to come by. Chris Tarrant in particular finding movement off the seam. The introduction of Jack Russell though seemed to create the spark need as Birch began to play his usual domineering game. Hitting a number of fours and sixes, he proceeded to score a marvellous fifty of just 34 balls. Finally perishing to a fantastic catch by Graham Roope on the boundary for 63 off Mike Gatting. Noble also fell shortly afterwards for a fine 38, but celebrated the knock with a lap of honour around the ground.

Windsor’s innings finally closed on 160 all out two overs early when Kellard played on to Gatting. A below par total and with the knowledge that two former first-class stars were opening for the Taverners, a tough task was ahead to defend it.

Opening bowlers Edge and Birch bowled well in the early overs and were unlucky not to remove the class Taverners openers. Anything slightly loose was punished and the ball raced about the field with aplomb from both Hinks and Roope’s bat. The pair managed to take the score to around 80 before Roope was first to go, caught well on the boundary by Condon. Hinks, after giving a number of chances finally fell stumped to Smith when on 61, wandering out of his crease in an attempt to take a phone call. This brought Nick Hancock to the crease to join and already set Paul Tisdale (Exeter FC’s new manager).

The introduction of Kellard at the River End would put a brake on the Taverners innings. First removing Tisdale through a fine skied catch taken by Hill in front of a well-lubricated beer tent, then through the bamboozling of Hancock, caught by Noble at mid-wicket. With Chris White joining Jack Russell at the crease, Windsor sensed the opportunity to take a few prize scalps. Indeed when Russell tried to late-cut a sharp spinning delivery off Smith, Davis took a fine catch stood up to the stumps to remove the former England keeper. When White and Salmon both departed to Kellard’s spin, new batsman Chris Tarrant, was joined by former England skipper Mike Gatting. Memories of 1993 and Old Trafford were re-born as Kellard attempted to pull a Warne on Gatting, and narrowly missed a five-for when a sharp turner just missed his outside edge.

Some entertaining running by Tarrant and Gatting, along with the usual banter saw the Taverners close on victory. Then a mighty swing of the bat from Tarrant saw Smith bemused as he was sent back over his head for 6. Another fine swish to fine leg saw the winning runs come and the Taverners closed out the game with 4 overs to spare.

A wonderful day was capped by the presentation ceremony after the game. Speeches from headline sponsor FM Global and Tony Monk was followed by the presentation of the winner’s Trophy to Mike Gatting. The man of the match award, sponsored by FM Global, went to 16 year-old Windsor spinner Chris Kellard for his match figures of 4 for 13 off 6 overs, with 2 maidens.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:27 PM | 0 comments

Nichols piles the heat on Stoke green

Sunday 16th July 2006 - Maidenhead Advertiser Sunday League

Stoke Green 88 all out (Nichols 4-24, Lines 3-28)

Windsor 89-1 (Huggins 46*)

Windsor Won by 9 wickets

Another scorching summer Sunday beckoned as Nobsey’s road show moved onto a baking Stoke Green. As usual Windsor’s strong Sunday 1’s looked to bat first on a used pitch, which they knew would break up as the game wore on. As it transpired though Windsor were made to field first with Nichols and Cornish sharing the new rock. Both had immediate success each taking a wicket in their first over and after 4 overs Stoke Green were reeling on 1 for 3. Young Cornish continually troubled the batsmen and had some very close LBW appeals turned down, the umpire claiming one was “going down off”. After his initial success Nichols set into a constant rhythm pinning down the batsmen with well-directed bouncers and dangerous Yorkers. A weak looking Stoke Green struggled to 13 for 4 after 12 overs when Cornish was taken off and left arm spinner Lines was introduced into the attack. Lines had success in his first over dismissing the Stoke Green number 6 with Woodward holding a good catch on the boundary. Nichols then capped his spell with 2 wickets as he finished with tidy figures of 4 for 24 from 8 overs.

With Lines bowling superbly from one end spin twin Kellard was brought on from the other. Lines took his second wicket soon after and with only 10 men it was only a matter of time before stoke were dismissed from the position of 48-8. To their credit though the 2 Stoke youngsters batted well with their 15 year old number 4 taking the strike well and dispatching the bad ball, including a 6 off Kellard. In the end though Lines finished off the stoke innings as their number 4 miscued a cut and the catch was taken by Cornish at point. With Stoke Green finally all out for 88.

After tea Windsor knew it would only be a matter of time before they would be on their way home. Huggins and Condon opened the batting and got Windsor off to a flier hitting their fifty partnership off just 8 overs. Huggins was particularly productive with his cover drives and Condon dispatched anything loose. After this the scoring rate slowed a bit and Condon was out to a sharp catch at midwicket. This brought South African Abe Smith to the crease and with some lusty blows (Including a massive 6 into the Windsor spectators) he allowed Huggins to finish the game off in style with a good looking straight drive, taking his score to 46 not out. With another win under their belt, Windsor will be looking towards victories over Burnham and North Maidenhead in the coming weeks to have them in with a shout in the MASL title race.

Next week the league season will take a break as Windsor take on Mike Gatting’s star-studded Lord’s Taverners team on The Home Park.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:41 PM | 0 comments

French Connection too much for sorry Bledlow

Windsor CC 1st XI vs Bledlow CC 1st XI – Sunday 9th July 2006 – MASL

Windsor 292-7 (A. Smith 65, B Davis 42, R Doye 38)

Bledlow 88 All Out (Granger 6-34)


Windsor CC currently poised very well in the Sunday league this year were looking to get another win under their belt on this breezy day as they fielded a strong team against a Bledlow side who had never visited Windsor before. After winning the toss the Bledlow skipper surprisingly decided to field which was a blessing for Windsor as they only currently had 9, very fragile, players after a big night out in London. With Birch nowhere to be seen and Holmes, called in as a late replacement for the unavailable (but surprisingly selected) Shafti, currently in transit, the Windsor openers strolled out to bat looking to put runs on the board.

Birthday boy Nichols and skipper Noble both looked uncomfortable against the Bledlow opening attack. Opening bowler Mould removed Nichols for 8, which introduced South African Abe Smith to the crease. Smith looked in good touch hitting a brace of 4’s off both the opening bowlers. Skipper noble played a good supporting role until he was out for 16. Lefthander Brian Davis was next in, fresh from his 50 the day before and him and the aggressive Smith both looked to attack the Bledlow first change bowlers, Davis in particular plundering 3 fours off of 4 balls. Davis was then caught off the bowling of downers, 8 short of his second 50 of the weekend.

Smith continued to attack with his new partner Ryan Doye as they ran well between the wickets and made the most of some lacklustre Bledlow fielding. Smith brought up a very entertaining 50 with a big six over square leg welcomed by warm applause from the balcony. The scoreboard continued to tick over until Smith tried one hit too many and was caught on the long on boundary. The next man in was the dangerous Granger, who in the fixture a year before had ransacked Bledlow’s bowling in scoring a fantastic hundred. He looked in good touch again today and some aggressive hitting and positive running between him and Doye again upped the scoring rate until he perished, caught on the boundary, trying to up the scoring rate in the last 10 overs. Doye was out shortly after and it was left to youngster Cornish and the clean hitting Birch to drag Windsor towards 300. Finishing on 292 for 7.

Windsor now knew that with the big total on the board that Bledlow would have to attack and with plenty of bowling options they were in a very strong position. Windsor didn’t start very well, opener Cornish spraying the ball about and going for 16 in his first over. This was no problem with the fired up granger charging in at 1 end and Aussie Nichols plugging away from the other they pulled it back and 2 Bledlow wickets fell in quick succession, which saw the introduction of the dangerous Oxfordshire player Mould. Wickets kept tumbling around him though and by the end of his spell nichols had picked up 2 wickets. Granger then picked up 2 wickets in a row, one caught by Smith in the gully and one by Doye at point. Next to join the party was young left arm spinner Mark Lines. His first over was spot on and he deceived the Bledlow number 7 with a perfect ball which drew him down the wicket before turning and keeper Davis picked up a sharp stumping to go with his catch earlier in the innings off the bowling of Nichols. In the next over with granger charging in with 4 slips and a gully he claimed another Bledlow wicket, again caught in the gully by Smith. Lines then produced another perfect over and was unlucky not to have another stumping, but with Bledlow now 8 wickets down it was left to granger to finish up the innings with the final 2 balls of his spell, clean bowling skipper mould for 26 and then claiming the Bledlow number 11 LBW to finish with outstanding figures of 6 for 34.

Next weekend the Sunday road show moves onto Stoke Green before a hard run in to the end of the season including Burnham and North Maids.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 10:48 PM | 0 comments

Shafi leads Windsor home.

Windsor vs. Tiddington (MASL) – Sunday 4th June

Tiddington 163 All out 35.1 overs (Kellard 4-43, Birch 3-24)
Windsor 164 for 2 30.4 overs (Shafi 70*)

After weeks of waiting for the sun to shine at home, Windsor were treated to some early summer sunshine for their first away day of the season. After winning their first two league games, the side was confident of making it three from three.

Tiddington won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that looked good early on as their opening pair looked to attack. It was the big mitt of Brendan Kemp that took the first scalp with a tidy caught and bowled. The introduction of Birch up the hill, soon removed the remaining opener to an ordinary shot when looking well set, but Tiddington continued to build their score. With the seamers being played easily, Windsor turned to the spin twins, Kellard and Smith and turned the innings on its head. As ever, Smith off-spin complimented Kellard’s Leg-spin and both took crucial wickets in early overs. Kellard continued to see the Tiddington batsmen attack him, but some excellent Windsor fielding saw catches taken in the deep and another fine stumping by Noble. After the pairs combined 16 overs, Tiddington found themselves at 140 for 7 and struggling to make a competitive score. Birch and Nichols hen came back into the attack and clean bowled the remaining batsmen and the Tiddington innings closed early on 163.

With a little rain in the air, Windsor stockpiled at tea and looked to try to seal victory early to avoid the weather. Openers Shafi and Condon went on the attack and punished anything wayward that came their way. Condon was unfortunate thought to be caught lbw, plumb in front, for 13 to one that kept a little low. This brought Huggins to the crease and he began a match winning partnership with Shafi. Huggins playing the anchor role worked the singles as Shafi looked to attack and flew past his second consecutive Sunday 50. The two had added 80, when Shafi was bowled after a somewhat injudicious shot for a fine 70. Abe Smith then joined Huggins and continued the attack. This seemed to give Windsor’s “Tugboat” a slight wake-up and his bat began to flow too. Windsor reached the target of 164 with nearly 10 overs to spare and claimed their third win in the Sunday League this season.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:24 AM | 0 comments

Windsor vs Perivale – Monday 29th May

Perivale 163 all out 35.1 overs
Windsor 164 for 4 29 overs (Davis 51*, Smith 27)

With sunshine and showers forecast, a sudden hail-storm prior to the start of the game and a missing groundsman, the Bank Holiday Monday fixture with Perivale was eventful even before it begun. After yet more heavy overnight rain, Windsor were again forced onto the nursery square and were, upon losing the toss, asked to bowl first on a drying wicket.

Perivale got off to a good start despite good bowling from Kemp and Holmes, putting away anything short with precision pull-shots. Kemp, did though manage to remove two wickets at the end of his spell, which help arrest the run rate. The introduction of the two left-armers Condon and Lines, further abaited the scoring, with Lines picking two wickets via a stumping by Davis and a well-judged catch by Kemp. Again though, Perivale looked to attack and managed to get the run rate up above five once again. Costly drops denied Kellard and Lines wickets, but the introduction of the experienced hands in Granger and Mohindru really put the shackles on Perivale via a brace of wickets (including two fine catches from Holmes and Lines). Wickets continued to fall to the re-introduced Kellard and Lines and with a calamitous final run out, Perivale closed their innings on 163 all out with five overs still to spare. This was a fine fight-back by the young Windsor side.

Windsor’s inning got off to a brisk start as Abe Smith played some flowing drives through the off side to see Windsor speed off to 40 after the first 8 overs. As with Perivale’s innings, a sudden brace of wickets saw Smith (27) fall via a leading edge and Granger trapped lbw for no score. With Noble (9) also falling within a few overs, Windsor were suddenly 51 for 3 after 12 overs. Davis then joined Hartridge and together they began to play Windsor out of trouble. Some lusty blows from the skipper and some deft drives from young Hartridge took the score past hundred with still some 20 overs to go. A rush of blood to the head saw Hartridge fall to some fine fielding by the Perivale skipper and was run out for 25. Davis continued to attack and with the injured Mohindru (batting with a runner) nurdling the ball around for singles, the chase continued at a rate. Davis finally reached his first fifty of the season with a fine glance for a single. Mohindru then ran the ball down for the winning runs and Windsor won by 6 wickets and many overs to spare.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:14 PM | 0 comments

Maidenhead Advertiser Sunday League
Windsor vs Chalfont St. Peter - Sunday 28th May

Windsor snatch last ball victory in thriller

Chalfont St. Peter 203-8 40 overs (Condon 3-27 Lines 2-49)
Windsor 204-8 40 overs (Condon 70 Huggins 47 Davis 27)

Windsor went into their second Sunday league game looking to continue their good form shown against Aston Rowant. Chalfont won the toss and elected to bat on a damp looking track. The decision looked to have backfired after tight bowling from Nicholls and Cornish backed up by Smith and Lines had the visitors struggling for runs as they stuttered to 44-2 off 15 overs. However, with the wicket drying batting started to become easier and the Chalfont batsman soon started to accelerate the scoring. Kellard in particular was expensive as he lacked his usual control. It took the introduction of Condon to the attack to stem the flow of runs as the Chalfont batsman looked to put the game beyond Windsor. With a flurry of late wickets from Condon and some big hitting from Panj the Chalfont inning closed on what would be a challenging 203-8 from their 40 overs.

In reply the Windsor innings got off to the worst possible start with the early loss of Bird. However, this brought Huggins together with Condon at the crease who together soon set about restoring order. Condon played the role of the aggressor hitting the Chalfont opening bowler out of the attack, while Huggins was content to play the support role and rotate the strike. Chalfont then introduced spin into the attack as they looked to slow the pace. However, the batsmen continued to keep the runs flowing with Condon sweeping the spinners to good effect reaching a well-deserved 50. As Windsor looked to up the scoring rate Condon fell to a sharp catch at mid-wicket from the bowling of Panj for 70, however, the partnership of 110 with Huggins had seemingly set Windsor well on the way to Chalfonts score. Abe Smith continued where Condon left off, but did not last long before been bowled through the gate. Huggins was then joined by Davis and together they added 40, as Windsor entered the last ten requiring a gettable 6 an over. However, Huggins then returned a soft caught and bowled as he fell just short of a hard-worked 50. Panic then ensued in the Windsor batting as Noble went cheaply, Davis was run out in a mix up with Lickley and Lickley himself then perishing in the cause. Nichols contributed a few lusty blows before holing out on the boundary as the game reached its climax. Windsor went into the last over requiring 13 for victory with youngsters Cornish and Lines at the crease. A quick run couple off the first and sweetly struck six over long on from Cornish off the second ball of the over swung things back in Windsor favour as they required 5 from 4 balls. Another couple and a scrambled single left Lines on strike requiring 2 from the final ball for victory. Lines then held his nerve as he chipped the bowler back over his head and he and Cornish completed the two runs required to seal victory for Windsor.

Next week, Windsor start their Sunday travels with the long journey to Tiddington in Oxfordshire

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:12 PM | 0 comments

Windsor CC vs Aston Rowant
Maidenhead Advertiser Sunday League - Sunday 14th May

Windsor 284 for 5 40 Overs (Shafi 74, Huggins 70, Smith 75)
Aston Rowant 258 all out 40 Overs (Morgan 65, Watling 71, Kellard 6 for 36)

Windsor got their Sunday League campaign off to a winning start at home to Aston Rowant. On winning the toss Windsor captain Huggins had no hesitation in batting first on what looked to be a good wicket. However, things did not go according to plan when they lost Condon in the first over bowled by one that swung back from Siler. The wicket brought captain Huggins to the crease who together with debutant Shafi, quickly went about rebuilding the innings. Huggins found his rhythm and punished anything over pitched while Shafi was aggressive with anything on the leg side. Aston Rowant rotated their bowlers in search of the second wicket but the runs continued to flow. It wasn’t until the 26th over when Shafi perished trying to further accelerate the scoring with wickets in hand that the second wicket came, departing for a stylish 74 and a second wicket partnership of 153.

This brought South African Smith to the crease who was quickly into his stride dismissing any loose deliveries to the boundary. The wicket of Huggins then came as he too looked to up the scoring rate further departing for 70. Windsor colt Hartridge then provided some able support for Smith before been dismissed in the 35 over. With time running out Davis and Smith then put the Aston Rowant bowling to the sword adding 62 runs in 24 balls for the 5th wicket. Davis departed in the final over and with a few lusty blows from Kemp the Windsor inning finished on 284-5.

Aston Rowant's reply got off to a slow start due some tight bowling from Kemp and Griffiths and they soon found themselves falling behind the run rate. Windsor didn’t make the initial break through though until the introduction of Smith to the attack, removing Hicks after some sharp work from Davis behind the stumps. However, Morgan and Watling soon began to open there shoulders in an attempt to get back up with the run rate, with youngster Lines coming in for some rough treatment.

Windsor rotated the bowling in search of the break through but with the run rate climbing it came courtesy of a run out with some good work by Birch in the deep to run out Watling. The batsman had to continue with the big shots as the run rate continued to climb. Morgan feeling the pressure after the run out then offered a catch off Birch and wickets then began to fall at regular intervals. The introduction of colt Kellard’s leg spin soon had the batsman in trouble as they attempted to take him on. Shepard and Condon were smartly stumped by Davis of his bowling. Though the big shots continued wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Kellard narrowly missed out on a hatrick as Siler managed to just avoid the out stretched hand of Kemp.

The Aston Rowant innings came to an end on 258 as Simpson was caught off the bowling of Kellard who finished with the impressive figures of 6-36.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:00 PM | 0 comments

Windsor vs Beaconsfield

Windsor travelled to Beaconsfield on Sunday looking to bounce back after last week's 'snatching defeat from the jaws of victory' loss at the hands of Chalfont. Pre-match preparations could not have been any worse as skipper Noble was involved in a car crash whilst leaving the home park. Fortunately for Noble, the crash was not serious and if anything knocked some sense into the enigmatic leader. Team changes were hastily made with veteran seamer Griffiths taking the reigns, and explosive all rounder Condon being drafted in for Noble.

On arrival at the ground, Windsor were given the suprise news that Beaconsifeld were fielding an overly strong side containing no less than six Saturday first team players and their second team overseas player. Windsor inserted their opponents on a hard looking track feeling that restricting Beaconsfield to anything under 200 would be a good effort. However, Granger and Pitt obviously did not read the script and what happened next can only be described at ten overs of pure carnage.

Granger was his usual self, providing the Windsor attack with plenty of pace, aggression, and mental illness. The Beaconsfield openers, with their public school accents, and rigid high elbows, were not keen on facing the South African tyro and Alikan soon found himself LBW to Granger. Pitt, who has bowled well all season but without much luck, was the perfect foil for Granger and went on to produce the spell of his life. Bowling menacing seam and swing at a good pace, Pitt destroyed the Beaconsfield top order in the space of just one over, producing an all clean bowled hatrick and finishing with four wickets in the over. The dangerous looking Pratt was then caught behind off Granger by a smart catch from Davis and Beaconsfield found them selves reeling at 37-7 off just ten overs.

A mini recovery was staged by Staffford but he was then beaten for pace by Condon and the rest of the Beaconsfield order folded with ease, as Griffiths dealt with the tail. Young Mark Lines also bowled well gaining turn and bounce with his left arm spinners, and was unlucky to not pick up any wickets. The Windsor bowlers had done exceptionally well to bowl out Beaconsfield for 95 with Pitt finishing with Windsor CC career best figures of 5-26.

For most teams, chasing 96 off 40 overs would not be a problem. However, this is Windsor. This is this side that travelled to Bledlow via the fixture secretary's house in High Wycombe. This is the side where skippers regularly select 12 or even thirteen players. This is the side where the skipper has to stop a cab so that he can go to the BP garage because 'they have what he needs'. Anyway, the point I'm making is that anything can happen with his side, and it did. After 5 overs Windsor found them selves 16-6, with all six wickets falling to aussie paceman Pratt, who to be fair, was bowling an excellent line and getting late swing into the right handers. Messers Doye, Pitt, Lickley, and Eggenhuizen all failed to trouble the scorers but could console them selves with the feast they were about to experience at tea.

Enter Justin Granger. Justin had obviously been oblivious to the fact that Pratt had just ripped out our top order for just seven runs and proceeded to make the bowler look extremely innocuous. Granger unleashed some booming drives and cuts and even drove the tiring Pratt out of the ground and over the road for a huge six (although not as big as Steve's at Bledlow). Whilst Granger played the Bad Cop role, left hander Davis played the Good Cop. Mixing stout defence and elegant drives, Davis gave a master class in how to block the good ball and punish the bad. These two got Windsor within twelve runs of victory before Granger was caught on the boundary going for his fifty. Fortunately for Windsor, Condon and Davis stuck firm and finished the game three overs later giving Windsor a deserved but hard fought victory.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 9:29 AM | 0 comments

Taplow 1st XI vs. Windsor 1st XI

Windsor 254-7 (40 overs) bt Taplow 246 all out (39.2 ovrs) by 12 runs

On a scorching hot day at Taplow, Windsor batted first on a bouncy surface but were in trouble initially as they slumped to 46-4. Before the strokeplay of Granger (90) and Doye (46) dug them out of a hole. Pitt also batted well for 43 not out and Windsor closed on 254-7.
In reply Granger’s pace had Taplow reeling at 7-3 but they mounted a fine recovery and it took the bowling nous of Griffiths and Pitt to finally end any resistance with Windsor finally bowling out Taplow for 246.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:28 PM | 0 comments

Bledlow vs. Windsor

Windsor continued their winning streak in the Sunday league with a fine 102 run win at picturesque Bledlow, deep in the Chilterns.
Winning the toss and batting first, Windsor were 2 down early losing Huggins and Pitt for 12 and 13 respectively, but Granger and Gould then seem to put their Saturday frustrations behind them with some dazzling batting. Granger produced some audacious strokes to race to fifty off just 34 balls.Thankfully, however, as he has done so often in the past, he didn’t then surrender his wicket when on the verge of greater things, and seemed to then settle down and together with Gould, Windsor cantered along at 7 an over. Gould effortlessly reached his own fifty, and was a calming influence on Granger as he reached a fine maiden century for Windsor. After reaching these landmarks ,the pair then upped the pace, both hitting sixes out of the ground. In no time Gould reached his own hundred but was dismissed soon after.Their partnership raised 236, a record for Windsor’s 3rd wicket. Granger then finally fell for 139, an innings which had regally entertained his teamates plus the many spectators at this fine little ground. The carnage didn’t stop there however as Eggenhuizen then hit a rapid unbeaten 29 which included 3 mighty 6’s, one of which cleared not only the ground, but also a row of 50ft oak trees and probably landed somewhere in the next village – an astonishing straight hit from the slightly built Australian. This propelled Windsor on to 318-7 from their 40 overs.
Bledlow’s reply couldn’t have got off to a worse start, as a fired up Granger had their opener caught behind by Davis off the first ball of the innings. Bledlow’s other opener however, looked a class act and was savage on anything off line, and took a particular liking to young John Holmes, who despite bowling their no. 3 , struggled for rhythm. While he was at the crease Bledlow looked like mounting a serious bid for victory. Windsor then reverted to the experience of seamer Griffiths and the slow off breaks of Rob Noble to counter the quick scoring. This finally did the trick as Huggins took a fine catch in the deep to dismiss the Bledlow opener off Griffiths for a superb 121.The rest of their batting then stuggled against Windsor’s attack, and young leg spinner Chris Kellard then ended the match in dramatic fashion with a sensational hat-trick, the final wicket being a hairline stumping by Davis, which saw Bledlow dismissed for 216, thus giving victory to Windsor by 102 runs.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:32 PM | 0 comments

Windsor 1st XI vs. North Maidenhead 1stXI

North Maidenhead 105 All Out (Kellard 5-14), Windsor 105-2 (Noble 47*)

Windsor got back to winning ways in the Thames and Chiltern Sunday league with a comfortable 8 wicket win over North Maidenhead.

On a pitch that was still green after Friday’s rain Windsor bowled first and exploited the conditions well. Justin Granger and Alex Hill soon had the visitors reeling at 9-3, and from there Windsor never lost their grip. A determined stand followed to take North Maids up to 70, but young left arm spinner Mark Lines, making his Windsor debut at this level took the crucial wicket of the North Maidenhead opener and from there they capitulated to 105 all out. Another colt, leg spinner Chris Kellard proceeded to bamboozle the lower order and with the help of wicketkeeper Steve Eggenhuizen, who took a catch and 2 stumpings, took 5-14 in just 4 overs, obtaining a large amount of turn to register his best figures at senior level. The innings was finished off by another of the colts, John Holmes, when he bowled their no.11 to end a tidy spell of medium pace.

In reply Windsor began with openers Rob Noble and Paul Huggins, who after their tribulations of the previous day, when their game at High Wycombe was called off due to a horrendously uneven and at times dangerous pitch, comfortably saw off the new ball and were easing to victory at 70-0 before Huggins nicked Curzons behind for 25. Dahron Pitt was then adjudged lbw, and it was left to Noble and Granger to see Windsor home. Granger’s 7 ball assault for 12 saw Noble just miss out on what would have been a deserved half century, but he had to content with a unbeaten 47 as Windsor comfortably got home by 8 wickets with more than 15 overs to spare.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:10 PM | 0 comments

Thame vs Windsor

Windsor 216-8 (40 Overs) Granger 66, Condon 29, Griffiths 21
Thame 217-9 (39.2 Overs)

Windsor went down by 1 wicket in tense game at Thame in the Thames and Chiltern league on Sunday.On a roasting afternoon Windsor batted first and were 2 down fairly early when first Paul Huggins was caught and bowled for 17 ,then Brian Davis was adjudged LBW which saw Windsor 31-2.Justin Granger then joined opener Rob Noble and they set about rebuilding. Noble was his typical solid self, while Granger batted as if he was playing in a 20twenty game. These contrasting styles however, proved effective and Windsor moved to a handy 134-2 off 24 overs before Noble’s dismissal for 29 heralded a collapse, which saw Windsor plummet to 161-7, including Granger for a typically frantic 66 of just 47 balls.It was left to bowlers Warren Griffiths and Kevin Condon to drag Windsor over 200, which they did well, Griffiths making a responsible 21 while Condon finished unbeaten on 29, to see Windsor to 216-8 off 40 overs, which in truth should have been a lot more.

Thame always looked on course for the win while their Indian overseas player was at the crease, and his 97 was the difference between to the two sides.Windsor had fought hard however and the bowlers between them had managed to get Thame 9 down going into the last over with 3 needed.The medium pace of Andy Wigley and Rob Hodgeson had proved particularly effective, and it was Hodgeson who sent down the last over, only for the first ball to clattered to the midwicket boundary for 4, to end a closely fought encounter, with Windsor ultimately losing a game that should have been made safe while they were batting, due to some rather irresponsible shot selection.

They will hope to get back to winning ways this Sunday when they entertain neighbours North Maidenhead.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:45 PM | 0 comments

Sunday league 5th June
Windsor vs. Kidmore End

Windsor disappointingly lost their opening Thames and Chiltern league fixture, going down by 43 runs against Kidmore End on Sunday.

Batting first Kidmore piled up 256 –5 in their allotted 40 overs.Windsor were not helped by the absence of overseas star Justin Granger, who was playing a representative fixture, nor by the breakdown of opening bowler Alex Hill, who broke down after just 3 overs. It therefore came down to the experience of Andy Wigley and Warren Griffiths to shoulder the burden of the attack.However on a flat pitch against good batting, Windsor toiled and wickets were few and far between, and despite striving manfully in the field .were unable to prevent the visitors running up a big score.Although 16 year old leg spinner Chris Kellard bowled well to pick up 3 of the 5 wickets to fall.

Batsmen continued to dominate after tea as Windsor’s openers Rob Noble and Paul Huggins responded with 149 for the first wicket, Noble finally fell for 58, ending a rather lean start to the season for him, and when the prolific Paul Huggins went soon after for 76, Windsor needed almost 9 an over with 9 overs to go.This proved too much for the incoming batsmen and Windsor ended rather anti climatically on 213 –2 off their 40 overs. They will hope to get back to winning ways this Sunday when they embark on the long haul to Aston Rowant in deepest Oxfordshire.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 3:37 PM | 0 comments

British Airways vs Windsor, Sunday 22nd May

Windsor 282-5 (34 Overs)
British Airways 144 All Out (45 overs)

Windsor warmed up for their Sunday league campaign in two weeks time with a crushing 138 run victory at British Airways on Sunday. With no cricket the day before, Windsor were keen to get some action, and when Windsor were asked to bat first on a hard wicket, the runs flowed. Declining a straight 40 over contest, BA’s skipper wanted a declaration game, which meant Windsor would have to set a total and bowl the opposition out.

Windsor had an early scare when both Doye and Woodward went without troubling the scorers, to leave the score at 13-2. But Huggins and Granger soon eased Windsor out of trouble, with some fine aggressive stroke-play and equally aggressive running, not always appreciated by Huggins, especially after Granger called him through for a third all run four. Together they added 148 for the third wicket, Granger eventually falling for a fine 83 of just 65 balls. Huggins was only marginally more sedate with a run a ball 81, still keeping his three-figure average in tact. Stephen Eggenhuizen then joined in the fun with an impressive 40, and Windsor were in danger of having too many runs on the board to early. Davis and Gould then further dismantled the BA attack and Windsor finally declared on 282-5 off just 34 overs.

BA had no answer to Windsor’s seam attack. Granger was the chief destroyer, picking up 4 –19. Whilst Pitt, Griffiths and Wigley all bowled tight spells, picking up a wicket each. Rob Noble’s slow off breaks then picked up 2 wickets, including a neat stumping from Davis. With BA now 144-9, Granger was brought back on and duly capped a fine performance when he removed the no 11’s middle stump to claim his 4th wicket. All in all, this was an impressive display from the boys in red and green.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 12:27 PM | 0 comments

Windsor 1st vs Slough 1st
Sunday 15th May

Windsor took the honours in a keenly contested local derby at Home Park on Sunday, which again showed that competitive cricket on a Sunday can be achieved given the right teams.

On a pleasingly warm day and an equally pleasing decent wicket,Slough took first strike and Slough’s new overseas player was quickly in his stride, stroking openers Eggenhuizen and Pitt to the boundary with regularity.Pitt picked up the other opener for 11,but Slough were scoring at a decent rate and Windsor quickly realised that containment would be the best option, and this they did very well.Justin Granger decided to revert to bowling off cutters and picked up Sloughs overseas for 65, well caught in the deep by Eggenhuizen. Seamers Wigley and Griffiths both bowled intelligently to pick up a wicket each, as did veteran Gary Sangha, having Amin well stumped as Slough looked to press on,finally finishing on 224-5 of 40 overs.

Windsor felt that if they could bat well then victory could well be in their sights. A highly charged opening burst between Slough’s Bobby Amin and Justin Granger almost threatened to boil over, but it Windsor who came on top,putting on 61 for the first wicket, after Granger fell at the other end to Gumbs for a quickfire 39. After the previous days strokeplay, opener Paul Huggins decided to hold an end up as Michael Gould came in at 3 and produced some sparkling shots to put Windsor in the driving seat.Huggins fell at 100 mark for a dogged 19,and Windsor then lost Doye lbw, but Dahron Pitt joined Gould and together they looked see Windsor home. Gould finally fell to a mis timed pull for a superb 93, with just 7 needed. Pitt finally hit the winning runs to finish on 34 not out ,and Windsor had gained a most creditable victory by 5 wickets.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:46 PM | 0 comments

Windsor 1st XI vs Twickenham 1st XI
Sunday 8th May

Windsor lost in the last over on Sunday to Twickenham, in a game that proved competitive Sunday cricket is still very alive given the right opposition.

In a 40 over a side game, Windsor batted first and had to deal with some hostile bowling, and were tested fully. Paul Huggins in particular, had to take a number of blows to the body. But as was often the way last year, Michael Gould was the shining light in Windsor’s innings and he provided bulk of the scoring with a sparkling 95,laced with well timed cuts and drives. He was given good support by Huggins (18) and Aussie Stephen Eggenhuizen (22). Windsor closed their innings on 186-8.

Twickenham were out of the blocks quickly when they replied, with Australian left hander Hudson particularly impressive, latching on to anything loose, and at 100-1 Twickenham seemed well in the driving seat. Windsor however fought back with admirable spirit. Dahron Pitt finally got Hudson for 71 and the complexion of the game changed. With seamer Warren Griffiths bowling a testing line from the other end, Twickenham started to loose wickets regularly and the run rate slowed up. Backed up by keen fielding, Windsor’s bowlers had got them back in the game. As the light faded a tense finish now ensued, and it came down to Twickenham needing 5 off the final over with 3 wickets in hand, and they just got over the line with 2 balls to spare.
It was a fitting to end a keenly contested and competitive match. This coming Sunday sees a local derby with the visit of Slough. It should also prove to be a hotly contested game.

Wembley vs Windsor
Monday 1st may

Windsor continued their impressive start to the season with a crushing 165 run victory over Wembley on bank holiday Monday. The hosts were routed for just 63,chasing an imposing 238-5 dec. Chief destroyer was seamer Warren Griffiths who was virtually unplayable on a green wicket, as he ran through Wembley’s middle order to claim 5-11. Raul Mohindru at the other end was miserly in the extreme as he went for just 7 runs in 12 overs, claiming 2 wickets in the process.

Earlier, Windsor had an early scare when they lost Eggenhuizen and Riches early, but Rob Noble laid a foundation with a solid 30,before Michael Gould and Paul Huggins then took the attack to Wembley with 65 and 68* respectively, Huggins continuing his remarkable early season form adding this effort to scores of 80*,100* and 80* in his previous games. Brian Davis then made an attractive 46 not out to take Windsor up to 238 –5.This was to prove more than enough.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 10:40 AM | 0 comments

Windsor vs Bracknell

Windsor kicked off their season in fine style with a resounding 7 wicket victory over a useful Bracknell outfit on sunday.Despite the forecast,the game stated in fine sunshine, with Bracknell winning the toss and batting.Tearaway paceman Justin Granger bowled a hostile opening spell first up,soon getting Kirkby caught and bowled.

Windsor then had to be patient as Bracknell's top order applied themselves well,reaching 90-1 before Warren Griffiths had the dangerous Khan well caught behind by captain and wicketkeeper Rob Noble.Bracknell continued play positively,working spinners Subharkar and Mohindru around well.Windsor however kept things tight in the field,and Bracknell finally called time on their innings at 170-4,

Windsor's reply struggled initially,with Noble undone by the skiddy Hiscoe.Michael Gould and Justin Granger both played all to breif cameo's,the latter hitting an extrodinary cut shot which ended up going for 8 , and at 66-3 the game was in the balance.However,the rock like Paul Huggins was still in and looking comfortable.Playing his trademark powerful offside drives,together with some legside glances,he and Windsor Boys School batsman Robert Woodward began to take the game away from Bracknell.

As the skies clouded over and drizzle started to fall,victory was looking more and more likely as both batsmen accelerated.The winnings runs were hit by Woodward who in the process reached a most creditable half century,but the mainstay had been Paul Huggins who finished on an asured 80 not out.For a long time living in the shadow of his younger brother Mark,Paul Huggins has in the last couple of seasons developed in a quality opening batsman in his own right,who no doubt will be eyeing up the 1000 run landmark again this season.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:43 AM | 0 comments

No one left in the hutch in Tiddington

Sunday 13th Windsor 1st XI vs. Tiddington 1st XI (MASL)

Tiddington 300 for 4 40 Overs (Gasmier 165, Brooks 60)
Windsor 244 All Out 34.4 Overs (Gould 100)

An early start due to a distant game later saw Windsor CC travel to the far reaches of the league over to Tiddington in week 3 of the MASL. On what proved to be a batsman’s paradise, Windsor lost the toss and was duly put in the field.

Within the first few overs the Windsor bowling began to disappear to all parts by Western Australian Gasmier. Pitt and Huggins toiled away but struggled to find the right length to stop the left-hander’s high scoring rate. Along with J Mackie (38) the pair put 130 on for the first wicket in just 19 overs. Only the introduction of the wily Andy Wigley saw the partnership break. This however only brought a short break in the frenetic scoring, as Brooks (68) joined Gasmier and began to build up the momentum in the innings again. Defending a short boundary to one side only encouraged the Tiddington batsmen, as they would strive to hit ball to furthest parts of the ground instead. Poor fielding and missed catches cost Windsor dearly, as it wasn’t until Pitt (3-48) deceived Gasmier with a slower ball when on 165, that Windsor got their man. Pitt then also picked up Brooks and Windsor managed to slow the rate and avoid chasing a higher total than 300. Granger, despite claiming a wicket was the pick of the Windsor bowlers going for only 35 off his 8 overs, well below the innings run rate of 7.5 runs per over.

After a fantastic tea, Windsor set out to chase down the target. Despite the loss of Davis (4) to an ugly wipe, Windsor managed to maintain a high run rate from the very start of the innings. Granger (24) and Gould built a strong 2nd wicket partnership until the former was run out trying to find that extra run. Both Paul (9) and Mark Huggins (26) scored their runs quickly; maintaining the high run rate, but wickets continually fell and caused Windsor to struggle. Noble (7) and Pitt (9) both assisted Gould’s free scoring, before falling. But it was not until Birch (21) joined the fray that a firm partnership grew. As the Gould reached his second successive century with two consecutive sixes, the Windsor cause looked well set. However, an unfortunate miscue the next ball saw Gould’s innings end and as such Windsor’s chase. Griffiths (9 not out) saw his partners disappear as Windsor innings fell away, finally running out of wickets on 244 with 5 overs still to go.

Despite the loss, the Windsor run chase was very encouraging positive of this very well contested match. With 318 runs in three league matches so far, Gould is setting an amazing pace in the competition. Bowling though will be the key when Marlow visit Windsor this Sunday as Windsor look to return to winning ways.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 9:11 AM | 0 comments

Records tumble at Home Park

Sunday 6th Windsor 1st XI vs. Burnham 1st XI (MASL)

Windsor 280 for 3 40 Overs (Gould 170, Noble 82)
Burnham 140 all out 38.1 Overs (Suhbarkar 3-15)

With the sun burning down on Home Park, Windsor Sunday 1’s entertained league rivals Burnham in a Maidenhead and Advertiser Sunday League match. With a full strength side, Brian Davis won the toss and decided to make use of the hot conditions and bat first. This proved to be a wise choice.

Early pressure by Burnham’s Zubair on Windsor opener Paul Huggins saw fellow opening bowler Tawaz pick his wicket up cheaply for 9. This brought young prodigy Michael Gould to the crease to join Noble and Windsor CC’s two most in form batsmen began to impose themselves on Burnham’s attack. Gould and Noble worked the ball around the field well, scoring freely with no great effort and brought up their hundred partnership at the end of the 18th over. Both passed fifty and the scoring continued in earnest as they took a hold of spinners Mohindru and Asif, taking them both for 6 an over. When Gould passed three figures, bringing up his third century of the season, he began to cut lose and unleashed an array of shots sending the ball to all parts. With Noble taking the support role, Gould sped past 150 and the partnership flew past 250, breaking the previous club record for the second wicket. Heat exhaustion from all the endless twos that had been run caused both to fall in the last over of the innings. Noble finished with 82, (his second fifty of the weekend). However, Gould finished with a huge 170, a personal best for him and one of the finest innings to be played in front of the castle in many years. The final partnership was 263 for the second wicket off 35 overs, a record that may stand for some time to come.

With a huge target to chase, it soon became evident that Burnham did not have the firepower to get the innings going. Fine opening spells from Pitt and Condon, saw early pressure placed on the visitors and the run rate began to grow as the swing and seam of Granger and Griffiths further curtailed any chase. With suicidal runs taken to Wigley and Granger, the Burnham innings fell away and it seemed destined for the visitors to bat the overs out. Only Swallhall (24) and Evans (22) managed to get a start. The spin of Suhbarkar accounted for a further three wickets in another fine spell on his adopted pitch. With Mark Huggins and Wigley picking apart the tail, it was left to Pitt to return to take the last wicket of Windsor Saturday 1s’ Raul Mohindru. Windsor came out victors by 150 runs.

Despite Burnham having to field a depleted side due to cup commitments, this was a fine win for Windsor. Plus with all the records broken, (including longest wait at number four to bat), it will be long remembered. Windsor travel to Tiddington this Sunday looking to continue the strong start to the Sunday League.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 2:18 PM | 0 comments

Windsor seamers cut Taplow order open

Sunday 30th Windsor 1st XI vs. Taplow 1st XI (MASL)

Taplow 117 All Out 25 Overs (Granger 4-51, Griffiths 3-18)
Windsor 119 for 4 20 Overs (Gould 48*, Granger 30)

It was a wet Sunday that saw Windsor Sunday 1st XI play their first game in this year’s Maidenhead and Advertiser Sunday League away at Taplow. Upon losing the toss, the Windsor side, were somewhat surprisingly put in the field on a green pitch in damp overcast conditions.

The South African duo of Pitt and Granger opened the bowling for Windsor and immediately found movement off the pitch. Some strong early hitting by Dunlop (20) saw the Taplow innings start quickly. But the fire of Granger was to make the big impression early on. Ripping through the heart of the Taplow top order, Granger picked up 4 for 51 in a fine spell. As with most of the innings, the main run contribution against him being the extras conceded due to the exaggerated movement off the pitch. Endacott (1-30) and Griffiths (3 for 18) then joined the attack and managed to extract movement and bounce out of the pitch, causing more Taplow wickets to fall on regular occasions. With the re-introduction of Pitt (2 for 15), the Taplow innings ended at 117 all out. Then came the rain.

After an elongated tea interval due to the sudden rain shower, Windsor set out to try to achieve the target quickly in case of further interruptions. As such both Huggins and Davis fell early playing shots. It was left to Gould (48 not out) and Condon (12) to steady the ship and begin the run chase in earnest. Aided by a well-crafted 30 from Granger, Windsor was steered home by Vice-captain Gould and marathon man Wigley to a fine 6-wicket victory with 20 overs to spare.

With Burnham the opposition this Sunday, Windsor is certainly in for a test of their credentials. With a strong Windsor side keen to avenge losses in recent years, it provides to be an interesting contest.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 3:28 PM | 0 comments

Windsor Blaze in Sunday Sun

Sunday 23rd Windsor 1st XI vs. Aldershot 1st XI

After negotiating a new route to Windsor via Slough, Aldershot 1st XI were visitors to the Home Park ground, looking to navigate themselves to a win in the final week prior to the commencement of the Sunday league season. Upon winning the toss, Windsor took the opportunity to bat first and test out the long batting line-up.

Despite an initially wayward start, the Aldershot opening bowlers settled down and Ford picked up the early wicket of P. Huggins for 7. This brought in Granger, who was in no mood to hang around. Taking just 14 balls to get 37, Granger was suddenly stuck on the score and this led to him being caught off the leading edge at mid-on. With Noble holding court at one end, the Windsor middle-order again creaked and lost Wigley (14), M. Huggins (5) and Gould (7) in relatively quick succession leaving the innings at 137 for 6. This brought in Davis, who for the second week running, had to consolidate after the middle order collapse. With the loss of Noble for a solid 38, Pitt joined Davis at the crease. With shots blazing all over Home Park, the pair put on 67 in 70 balls to rejuvenate the Windsor effort. After Pitt fell for 23 and Davis for 53, it was left to Condon (13) and Griffiths (14 not out), to steer the Windsor innings home and re-write the coaching manuals in the process. Windsor finally closed on 231 all out of their 40 overs. Ford was the pick of the Aldershot bowlers with a fine 5 for 54.

With bellies full, Windsor began after tea with the pace and swing of Pitt and Condon complementing each other. Aldershot openers Fraser (17) and Gass (10) both worked hard for their runs, but with Condon drying up one end and another outstanding catch from Granger, Pitt’s inswing managed to pick them both up. Pitt finished with 2 for 24, and Condon was very economical with 0 for 14 off 6. A change in bowling to the spin and seam of Suhbarkar and Griffiths, further dented the Aldershot effort. Griffiths tore a hole in the visitors’ middle order, picking up 3 for 25. The Aldershot batsmen struggled with the Windsor attack, and only Anslow (26) managed to get into the twenties. With the Home Park pitch again spinning like a top, Windsor introduced the unorthodox spin of Rob Noble. Much to the delight of the Windsor balcony, Noble picked up 3 for 14, including being on a hat-trick at one stage. It was left to Granger and Mark Huggins to fight over the final wicket, with the latter taking it on his return to Windsor CC colours. Aldershot were finally bowled out for 146 and Windsor were victors by 85 runs.

Next week sees the start of the Maidenhead and Advertiser Sunday League with Windsor starting their challenge at Taplow.

Windsor
P Huggins Bowled Ford 7
RW Noble Ct. Anslow Ford 38
J Granger Ct. Anslow Ford 37
A Wigley Ct. Fraser Ford 15
M Huggins Ct. Gass Ford 5
M Gould Bowled Lamb 7
B Davis Bowled Hamed 53
D Pitt Ct Arthur Anslow 23
W Griffiths Not Out 14
K Condon Run Out 13
A Suhbarkar Bowled Hamed 0
Extras 19
Total 231 All Out
39.5 Overs

Anslow 11 1 69 1
Ford 13 1 54 5
Lamb 5 0 31 1
Abbas 4 0 26 0
Hamed 6.5 0 46 2

Aldershot
M Fraser Ct Granger Pitt 17
A Gass LBW Pitt 10
G Arthur Bowled Suhbarkar 18
A Taylor Bowled Griffiths 17
F Abbas Ct. M Huggins B.Griffiths 17
C Olley Ct. P Huggins B.Griffiths 0
D Anslow Ct Pitt B. Noble 26
J Arthur St Davis B. Noble 9
A Hamed Ct M Huggins B. Noble 5
J Lamb Ct Pitt B. M Huggins 6
J Ford Not Out 2
Extras 19
Total 146

Pitt 7 0 34 2
Condon 6 3 14 0
Griffiths 6 1 25 3
Suhbarkar 9 1 47 1
Noble 4 0 14 3
Granger 1 0 1 0
M Huggins 0.3 0 3 1

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 11:54 AM | 0 comments

1st XI vs Aldershot 23rd May 2004

1. B Davis (capt)
2. RW Noble (wkt)
3. M Gould
4. W Griffiths
5. J Granger
6. P Huggins
7. M Huggins
8. D Pitt
9. A Wigley
10. K Condon
11. A Suhbarkar

Please meet at ground 1.15pm.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:19 PM | 0 comments

Too little too late.

Sunday 16th Windsor 1st XI vs. Slough 1st XI

With the sun blazing down on the Upton Park ground, Windsor travelled to Slough on Sunday for their final warm-up game before the Sunday league starts. After losing another toss, Windsor was asked to field first.

To their delight, the Windsor opening bowlers Condon (1-47) and Granger found the bouncy deck much to their liking after such a damp early season. With it came a breakthrough each, with wicket keeper Noble snaring both chances. This only brought Parved to the crease, and he took to the second string bowling with much aplomb. With able support, Malik (53), Parved attacked all that came at him and racked up a marvellous 106, scoring at well over a run a ball. However, Windsor battled valiantly with only 10 men after losing Thompson to a finger injury. With the loss of Parved, Slough’s innings lost momentum as they reached 208 off their 40 overs. Granger was the pick of the Windsor bowling, taking 4 for 65 off 17 overs.

The Windsor reply started well, with the unusual feat of the first run off the bat coming in the 5th over, with 20 already on the board. Both Huggins (21) and Noble (26) batted well, putting on 75 for the first wicket. However, the introduction of the spin of House (4-55) and Hussain (2-12) slowed the scoring rate and both fell in successive overs. With Dawson soon joining them, it was left to Gould and new boy, Harris, to try to push the rate along. After Harris (11) fell, trying to force through the legside, Granger quickly followed. Skipper Davis, joined Gould to rebuild the innings with still well over 100 to get. With some lusty blows, the run rate began to increase, but with 60 still needed with four overs left, Gould was caught for 30. Banajee (16 not out) joined the fray, and with some unorthodox stroke play, helped Davis (42 not out) take Windsor to a respectable 182 off their 40 overs, some 26 runs short at the end.

With Taplow being the hosts next Sunday, Windsor looks to bounce back from this loss. And with key players coming into some form, it will be the middle overs that will be the target to be worked on over the next few weeks.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:01 PM | 0 comments

Windsor shine on a merky day.

Sunday 9th Windsor 1st XI vs. Wokingham 1st XI
After a frustrating weekend with their feet up waiting to see some cricket action, Windsor Sunday 1’s returned to action against Wokingham at Home Park on Sunday. On a damp wicket, it was surprise when Wokingham decided to bat first upon winning the toss, but in slippery conditions, it was with caution that Windsor took to the job of bowling.

Opening bowlers Griffiths and Granger took to the job well, bowling tight lines and causing Wokingham to try their hand in order to get the scoreboard moving. It was with this that the experienced Sosa (8) was run out by sprightly work from vice-captain Gould. Granger (2-18) and Griffiths (1-21) then removed a further three quick wickets, including their overseas player Dickinson, to leave Wokingham reeling on 36 for 4. The introduction of Mohindru and K.Condon further slowed the scoring, with the variation of spin and seam regularly taking wickets. With only Hayter and Fisher reaching double figures, Mohindru worked his way through the Wokingham order to pick up 5 for 10 off 7 overs, including a sharp stumping from keeper Noble. New boy Amit Suhbarkar picked up the final wicket and left Wokingham all out for 87.

After a hearty tea, Windsor openers Chorley and Huggins set about the chase of the low total. Some fine bowling by Dickinson and Fisher made the chase tough going, with the latter achieving the remarkable figures of 5 overs for 2 runs. Despite looking in good touch, Chorley fell chasing a wide one for 18. Huggins (8) soon followed and the Windsor reply was stagnating at 34 for 2 off 14 overs. Each batsman found batting tough going, with the leg spin of S.Condon (1-14) causing great concern. Both Dawson (13) and Davis (9) got starts, but didn’t go on to finish the job. However the low target never seemed to be in too much doubt. With a quick fire 25 from Gould, and with Granger in support, Windsor eased to a victory by 5 wickets in just 23 overs.

Next Sunday sees Windsor take the short trip over the M4 for a local Derby with Slough. It should prove to be a hotly contested match, being the only fixture with the old rivals this season, and the last game before the Sunday league starts.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 2:59 PM | 0 comments

Sunday 25th April Windsor vs. Bracknell.

After finally winning a toss, Windsor captain Brian Davis took advantage of fine conditions and decided to bat first against the visiting Bracknell. The decision seemed more than frugal when both Andy Chorley and Justin Granger took to the Bracknell opening attack with some delight. Despite losing Granger to an expansive pull, Windsor maintained a run rate of around six an over and had strong foundations for the innings.

As with many early season innings though, batsmen tended to get themselves in without going on to gain scores that they deserved. With Davis, Smith and Matthews all guilty of this. After losing Chorley for a fine 66 and with Kirkby (2-15) and Hiscoe (2-32) bowling good middle overs for Bracknell, Windsor’s innings somewhat spluttered. However, another fine knock from Gould (58) guided the Windsor innings to a deserved total of 204 at the half way point.

Bracknell’s reply was steady if not spectacular. A fine opening spell from Griffiths (8-2-13-2) kept one end tight, and forced the Bracknell batsmen to attack at the other. Heyes and Kamran being the pick of the top order with 43 and 31 respectively. The double introduction of Granger (3-37) and Bradbury (2-28) saw steady bowling consistantly taking wickets whilst the opposition saw the required rate grow. With their overs complete it was left to Condon (0-42) and Endacott (2-50) to halt the Bracknell charge further. With the loss of Hiscoe for a hard hitting 45, Windsor won by 18 runs.

Two strong results for the first team this weekend. With more players returning this coming weekend and the Saturday league starting the following week. competition for places is strong and the weekend’s fixtures look to be keenly anticipated. Saturday sees the 1st and 2nd teams against Chalfont St Peter, with Sunday against Hanwell. The Bank Holiday Monday fixture against Wembley will be the last chance to impress before the serious business of league cricket begins.

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 1:06 PM | 0 comments

Windsor Sunday 1st XI vs. Hanwell
Away
(Meet 12.15pm at Home Park)

1. Brian Davis
2. Michael Gould
3. Rob Noble
4. Rob Matthews
5. Justin Granger
6. Warren Griffiths
7. Kevin Condon
8. Darren Pitt
9. Amit Suhbarhkar
10. Paul Huggins
11. Alex Hill

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 9:38 AM | 0 comments

Windsor vs Chalfont St. Peter MASL

Windsor’s Sunday league campaign saw them take on Chalfont St. Peter. Chalfont on winning the toss elected to bat and their openers saw them off to a solid against the new ball. The introduction of Griffiths though swung the game in Windsors favour. The big pace man struggling for form of late turned in a vintage performance which saw him remove 5 of the top six for a miserly 24 runs from his eight over spell. Khan offered some resistance with a battling 50. The introduction of O’Shannessy to the attack saw the end of the Chalfont innings as he picked 2 wickets. Despite the deteriorating wicket a score of 147 never looked like been enough.

In reply Windsor got off to a slow but steady start before Bird looking to open his shoulders against the spin of Mander holing out to mid off. He was quickly followed by Thompson when trapped L.B.W. by Mander. Greene and Huggins then steadied the ship before a fine diving catch by keeper Ahmed accounted for Huggins. Greene was then joined at the crease by fellow country man O’Shannessy as the pair adding some quick runs before O’ Shannessy was bowled for 9. Greene followed shortly after attempting one expansive shot too many for a well made 43. Some composed batting though by Charters and Malik saw Windsor home with plenty of overs to spare.

Innings of Chalfont St. Peter

M. Stevenson Ct. U. Malik W. Griffiths 27
S. Ahmed L.B.W. W. Griffiths 31
S. Ahmed Bowled W. Griffiths 2
Babloo Ct. U. Malik R. Charters 0
A. Puri Bowled W. Griffiths 6
R. Punj L.B.W. W. Griffiths 6
Z. Khan Not Out 51
T. Graver Bowled U. Malik 4
R. Mander Ct. H. Singh T. O’Shannessy 1
J. Page Ct. W.Griffiths T. O’Shannessy 3

147 All Out

O M R W
U. Ahmed 5 0 28 0
H. Singh 7 0 26 0
W. Griffiths 8 2 24 5
R. Charters 8 0 37 1
U. Malik 5 0 19 1
T. O’Shannessy 2.3 0 7 2

Innings of Windsor

C. Bird Ct. Babloo R. Mander 13
P. Huggins Ct. S. Ahmed J. Page 28
P. Thompson L.B.W. R. Mander 8
M. Greene Ct. Z. Khan 43
T. O’Shannessy Bowled A. Puri 9
R. Charters Not Out 18
U. Malik Not Out 6

150 – 5

O M R W
S. Ahmed 4 1 8 0
R. Punj 8 0 29 0
R. Mander 8 2 22 2
J. Page 6 1 32 1
A. Khan 4 0 29 1
Z. Khan 2.2 0 12 1

posted by Windsor Cricket Club at 10:49 AM | 0 comments

A perfect bit of England helps make Tony’s day

From www.thisiswindsor.com

BRILLIANT sunshine and the backdrop of the castle provided the perfect setting for the fourth President’s Day at Windsor CC – there was even a choir making an inpromptu appearance in the background, although not quite what you would expect, writes Andy Stiff.

Windsor President, Tony Monk, fielded a select XI against the club’s Sunday side and after long day’s toil at Home Park the sides retreated to the bar for a well-earned drink with an honourable draw.

It all started several hours earlier after a spot of lunch. The sides finally realised they would have to take to the field and the President’s XI, led by Beaconsfield’s Mark Shepherd made hay with the bat whilst the sun shone.

Gordon Morgan (Wraysbury) set the foundations of this big score with a well-executed 77, even though his left toe-nails would be suffering on Monday morning (see picture opposite). He put on 85 for the second wicket with Luke Shepherd (Beaconsfield) who made 36.
Hendrick Lowe (ICI Paints) played elegantly to contribute 37 to the total before Owen and Ieuan Watkins (both of Welsh side Usk CC), brothers of Saturday skipper, Deri, set about the Windsor bowlers with what Tony describes beautifully as ‘agricultural efficiency’.

The only balls landing on the nearby tennis courts were the hard, red variety as Ian (32no) and Owen (22) took a particular liking to Richard Charters. His figures of 3-17 after three overs became 4-53 after five. Tony’s XI closed on 269-7 and they still had their secret weapon, opening bowler Monk.

As it happens the veteran could not break through in his three overs. Matt Greene (23) and Andy Chorley (76) kept Windsor’s hopes high. The Celtic fire of the Watkins brothers put paid to any ambitions of Windsor. Owen took 3-35 and Ieuan also picked up a wicket.

Kevin Condon also returned figures of 3-35 and there was late hope for the scratch team when Shepherd took the ninth wicket, bowling out Wayne Spence with one ball left.

Warren Griffiths survived the last delivery and Windsor closed on 219-9, honours even – well almost....

“It was a draw but we were the better side, clearly!” joked Tony afterwards. “It was a splendid day’s cricket, you are always praying the weather will be good for you and it was spot on.

“I was also chuffed that so many players gave up their time to come and play. We had some really good cricketers from all around, I hadn’t seen Gordon bat before but knew he was a good player and he showed it.”

He also revealed his bowling spell was a little longer than planned. “I used to open the bowling many, many years ago and by tradition still bowl the first over in these games.

“I had the first over and it went well so the others said ‘Go on! Have another’. I did and again was not hit out of the ground so they told me to have one more.

“By then I think the batsmen had had enough and started to hit me so I quickly retreated from the attack!

“I was just very proud of everyone and the day could not have gone any better. I looked around the field at one point and it just looked like a perfect bit of England.

“You had Windsor Castle overlooking us and there were families having picnics in the shade, it was a lovely scene.

And as for the choir? “Well, some of the players were about to go on tour to Ireland and were leaving at 7pm.

“They could not play so I think were trai