Butterfingers let game slip

Newbury 197
Windsor 161 (Hill 59)

Although the scores record that this may have been somewhat of a narrow game it hid an embarrassing fielding displaying and an equally disturbing batting performance from Windsor as they made their debuts in Division 3a. After the long trip to Newbury the damp overcast conditions made Newburys decision to bat first a little surprising. Had Windsor fielded and bowled anything like they know they are capable of they should have made Newbury pay for the decision from the 4^th ball however in what was by far the hardest chance of the 8 Windsor would put down, South African All-Rounder Abe Smiths one handed effort at a flier from backward point from Uden was just one of 5 chances that were spilt against the opener who ground out 54. Kellard clung onto one at Mid Off to remove the dangerous Anstey and Windsor may have hoped their fortunes had changed although when Jones was put down early and went on to make 29 Windsor would rue the chances that would go astray during the innings. A luckless bowling display by Alex Hill was replaced by youngster Chris Kellard who bowled well in tandem with Abe Smith to turn the screw on Newbury. The arrival of Oliver Birch who’s trademark bowling a batsman off a no-ball was rolled out again although he did manage to pick up 3 wickets to wrap Newburys innings up in the 50^th over for 197 although this was somewhat 80 runs more than Newbury should have been allowed on a 2 paced pitch had Windsor taken their chances.

Had Windsor restricted Newbury to 120 they may well still have struggled as with the exception of Dave Richies and Abe Smith none of the top order looked comfortable against the nagging attack and difficult pitch. By the time Rob Noble had been bowled Windsor were almost dead and buried at 50-7. Oliver Birch joined by Chris Edge began to get about the bowling but despite what looked like a clear edge into his pads when Birch went it LBW it seemed all over for Windsor at 71-8. However Alex Hill joined Edge and both began to settle against the tiring attack and both started to play some shots, Hill in particular with some dazzling drives and cuts, Edge playing the more brutal shots and it was no surprise when they passed the first batting point at 100. They soon added another at 125 and after a few more big hits suddenly Windsor were in the position of needing 6 an over from the last 10 to win. However, the return of Anstey saw Edge stumped for 25 and Hill, shepherding Chris Kellard from the strike, cut out and another bonus point was gained at 150. Hill was eventually caught behind for a superb 59 which saved Windsor quite a lot of face and gained some valuable batting points.

The one good thing Windsor have to look forward to is that it is unlikely they can perform this badly again this season as the squad regroups for the visit of Aldershot 1^st XI at Home Park next Saturday.