It was with great anticipation that the 4th awaited their new season in 7a as the league had shuffled the teams to allow for the arrival of several new clubs. The previous season had been a damp squib with many games lost to the weather and a mid table finish frustrating for all. New skipper Doree’s tactic of batting first and putting pressure on the chasers worked well with good victories and winning draws the 4ths were on top at the half way point the only blemish was a loss to Slough.

The second round saw a change of tactic as the opposition on winning the toss batted first trying to get as many points as possible as Windsor was on a roll. Chasing down totals 5 games in a row left the team on top 50 points clear with 5 games to play. The crunch was Slough at home in the 3rd last game, in a true epic, Windsor batting depth put enough runs on the board that the bowlers with tight fielding were able to restrict Slough to a draw, promotion and league title was Windsor’s.

The Stalwarts
Light, Houghton, Johal, Bristow, and Martin rocked up again to provide the nucleus of the team. All played 15 or more games and gave skipper Doree some experience and consistency that all lower grade teams need. Light volunteered to open and for the first time in years an opening stand of 50 was common, along with his13 catches and 209 runs @ 13.93 made for a good season. Johal tired of being a bit player had his best season for the club making 195 runs @ 17.73. Houghton had a so-so season with the bat 189 runs @ 17.18 but was all over the order, his strength was his keeping 9 catches 4 stumpings, in a grade where 30 byes are common on the slow low tracks Tim always put his body on the line and never conceded more byes than the opposition. Bristow was reliable as ever, opening with a tight spell and if needed coming back for more at the end. Martin relished dropping to number 6 and showed a return to form with the bat 568 runs @ 113.60 and his tight bowling made the opposition’s job harder.

The New
Besides the return of Doree, Kevin Clifford another of the clubs captains from the past made a return after 5 years. His knowledge and insight quickly made him Doree’s right hand man, and his batting added strength to the top order with 320 runs @ 35.56. Australian Steven Ward made his Windsor debut after 13 years in the wilderness, scoring a fantastic century and 311 runs @ 44.43 and playing in the 2nd and 3rd teams. Racee Khan a useful all rounder bolstered the depth 94 runs @18.80 and 5 wickets @ 29.4 will only improve.

The Young
Stephen Day though now 18 and finding other distraction opened the bowling and took 12 wickets @ 16.83 and was amazing in the field with 7 catches. Sam Jordan enjoyed his 5 games with a magnificent 100 not out and 165 runs @ 41.25 as well as bowling useful out swing 5 wickets. Kristan Baumgartner who turned 14 during the season scored 137 runs @ 22.83 and has the right attitude to go along way. Khokhar, Zafar, Unsworth, Harley, Shah and Tindall all filled in from the colts

The Rest.
Alam after a season of being between grades found a home in the 4ths, in 7 games scored a fantastic century and 240 runs @ 40, he also chipped in with 9 wickets @ 14. Gareth Baber showed his versatility playing 6 games scoring 62 runs @ 20.67 with the bat but made a huge impression with 9 wickets at 9.44 not bad for a keeper.
Lickers may of had a season to forget with the bat 56 runs @ 6.22 but his tentacles in the Gully dragged in 6 amazing catches. In the end 33 guys played for the 4ths from colts filling gaps to club legends Charters, Lloyd, Bullock and Endacott all paying a visit.

The New Skipper
The first game saw a new old skipper in Andy Doree returning to the club after a 10 years absence, his experience and ability was welcomed. As the season wore on his knowledge of how to play the 100 over Saturday league game became evident and the team bore the fruit of being the top team by the halfway point. Simple tactics of batting first to get maximum points then bowl tight to put pressure on the chasing team worked, then when only Windsor could win inventive fields and inspirational bowling changes (Baber and Alam) had reward, he was never reactive always proactive and driving the game. Even if the opposition were not bowled out they scored less points, so if you score more points than your oppo every week you are on the right track. The added factor of bowling with the sun behind his arm for the loopy spin also showed there is nothing like local home ground knowledge. Batting at 8 or below to give everyone a fair chance he scored 187 runs @ 46.75, not only did he captain well he added great depth.

The Batting
The team benefited from the inclusion of some experienced cricketers and it showed in the batting performances. 9 guys scored 150 or more runs, 6 passed the 50 mark and 3 scored centuries. The averages of 6 batsmen being above 35 meant totals of 200+ most weeks. In chasing down targets only once did the 4ths fail and that was in the last game.

The Bowling
With the batsmen doing their job the bowlers knew restricting runs was as important as wickets and the figures showed this. 7 bowlers managed to take 4 or more wickets in a game during the season, the astute use of slow spin to get wickets when the opposition shut up shop was a feature. Baber, Alam and Charters (4-13) benefited with match winning spells in the last 10 overs. 8 bowlers averaged fewer than 20 and no one was slapped around the park. The core of, Martin 37 wickets @ 10.24, Bristow 24 wickets @18.54 and Doree 24 wickets @ 15.21, each bowling over 100 tight overs

Mondays Expert
The season was a great success due to many factors. The clubs added depth means better cricketers are available and no-ones spot is safe, even the Skipper and the stalwarts were rostered off to give everyone a fair go. The veterans who have returned because of their love of the game added stability and experience that had been missing. Team spirit was fantastic with ego’s left at the door and a positive attitude from all. No one getting down on miss fields or dropped catches just a better luck next time a joke and everyone move forward, in the 4ths it can happen to anyone. The wish for everyone to succeed and get a fair go made for very enjoyable Saturdays, of course winning helps. All of the above means a team gets the best from it’s members, everyone looked forward to Saturday from a team view not a personal one, the spread of excellent performance by all is proof of this.

Windsor 4th XI 263-8 (Martin 98*, Doree 65)

vs.

Kidmore End 3rd XI 197 all out

Windsor, led by a new captain this year, batted first on the hot dry day and managed to knock up a fantastic total of 263-8 in their allotted 52 overs, with great knocks for the Legend Scott Martin making 98 not our, and the skipper Andrew Doree making a well earned 65

In reply, Kidmore end managed to get to 197 before being bowled out. Doree made an impact with the ball as well in this game taking 4-10 and the veteran Endacott taking 3 wickets

A great start to the season for the 4th XI under their new captain and have a maximum 25 points and are sitting at the top of the league

All-round Martin not quite enough

Finchamstead 4th XI 246/7 – Hopkins 98, Osler 52, Martin 3-36
Windsor 4th XI 171/5 – Martin 67*

An unbroken partnership of 109 between Scott Martin (67*) and Michael Gegg (23*) helped secure Windsor 4s a draw away at Finchampstead after the side had collapsed to 62/5 in their pursuit of 247 to win the game.

After winning the toss Windsor put Finchampstead into bat on what looked a hard and lively wicket. Two early breakthroughs by Rob Hodgson looked to put the visitors in command but a strong fight back by Hopkins (98) and Osler (52) put the home side on top. Scott Martin (3-36) and Stuart Hayward (2-21) brought Windsor back into the game and limited the home side to 246/7 off their 52 overs, when at one point 300 looked on the cards.

Windsor lost two quick wickets in their chase of 247 to win the game, and despite a cameo innings of 29 from Tim Houghton the visitors collapsed to 62/5 in reply. With over 30 overs remaining and knowing only the tail was to follow Scott Martin and Michael Gegg dug in against some excellent and very accurate bowling and their unbroken sixth wicket partnership of 109 maintained the side’s unbeaten start to the season.

Windsor 4XI (15) vs Eversley 3XI (6) 12/05/07

Windsor 4XI – 232 for 7 (52 Overs)
S. Martin 93
M .Murray 86
Hammond 5-35

Eversley 3XI – 169 for 9 (48 Overs)

After losing the toss Windsor were inserted on a damp wicket looking to get the season off to a solid start. Following 2 uneventful overs there was a 10 minute break for rain, before they could get back to job of setting a total. It wasn’t long though until Ashraf went for 11, to the impressive Guy, which brought the 4XI veteran Martin to the crease to join the stubborn Care. Both were kept at bay by the tight bowling, until Care slashed at a wide one and was caught in the gully, bringing Murray to the middle. At 68 for 2 at drinks, the innings looked in the balance, but it wasn’t long until the two Aussie born batsman cut loose, putting on 164 for the 3rd wicket, giving the onlookers from the Horse Show some entertainment, as the ball traveled over into the car park several times! A typical 4XI collapse at the end of the innings, didn’t spoil the Windsor mood at tea, although it did give Eversley’s Hammond an impressive 5 wicket haul.

Looking to chase the rather formidable total, Eversley seemed to start their innings as Windsor had finished theirs. Excellent bowling from the opening pair Lewis (2-36) & Bristow (1-24) got the visitors in trouble straight away, leaving them 40-4 following a comical run out. As is common in this position when chasing a decent total, the batting side then looked to survive the remaining overs. The ever youthful Endacott kept the game interest with some excellent seam bowling. His figures of 3-36 did not reflect his tireless effort, as several catches were dropped in the field. With skipper Light rotating his bowlers Windsor were still in the hunt for victory with the batting side at 110 for 7, but a 8th wicket stand of 50 between the bowling hero Hammond and Aspinall effectively killed the game off. A wicket from the final ball from Endacott gave Windsor little satisfaction as this was more 10 points lost, than 15 gained.

Windsor 4th XI seal deserved promotion at Falkland
Sat 26th August

Falkland 4XI 229 for 3 (48 Overs)
Windsor 4XI 234 for 3 (38 Overs)
Windsor won by 7 wickets

Windsor 4XI lost the toss and were asked to take the field on the damp, but but still very good Falkland track. The home side got off to a steady start, then pushed on at the fall of their first wicket reaching 60 for 1 off the first 20 overs. After a short interuption for rain, the batsman got back to work and started to stroke Windsor to all parts. All bowlers were tried, but none could contain the Falkland top order, when finally on 229 for 3 (48 overs), the rain came to Windsor's rescue and brought an early tea.

In reply, Windsor stated slowly, reaching 20 for 1 (10 over) with Dan Brown caught behind.. This brought Damien Bradbury to the crease, who then made batting look very easy. Captain Charles Light departed for 32, with the score on 102 (26 overs), but this only brought John Holmes out to the middle who decided to have some funby getting off the mark first ball with a six! A very quick fire 68, including 6 maximum's from Holmes, caused the fielders head drop and with the pair scoring at over 10 an over they new the game was up. Holmes fell late on with only 8 runs required, but this didn't deter Bradbury who finished things of and ended on a faultless 110 not out. Scott Martin's six over long off to win the game for Windsor, set the tone for some big celebrations, as Windsor 4 XI can now look forward to level 6 cricket next season.

Comfortable Afternoon for Windsor!

Maidenhead 4’s 175 for 9; 52 Overs
Windsor 4’s 177 for 3; 35 Overs (Saunders 76, Martin 49)

On a overcast day, with the constant threat of rain on the horizon, stand in captain Charles Light, won the toss and decided to put M&B in to bat on a dry Windsor wicket. With the normal opening bowling pair injured and on holiday, Khanna & Woodward did the honours keeping things tight and each taking a early wicket, before Khan came to the crease and hit an agricultural 60 to get the M&B innings moving. Following his departure, wickets were shared, including a misely 10-4-12-2 from Martin, and the away side limped to a below par 175 for 9 off their 52 overs.

In reply Windsor faltered at first losing Lickley and Woodward early, until Saunders & Martin steadied the ship. Saunders (76) especially showing a good variety of strokes, along with steady accumulation by Martin (49*) brought the home side to the brink of victory, until the improving colt was caught behind trying another big shot, bringing in Houghton, to see Windsor home.

Windsor 4’s roll on!

Eversley 4’s 214 for 9; 52 Overs (T. Hartridge 5 for 19)
Windsor 4’s 215 for 4; 32 Overs (D Brown 72)

Windsor's fourth eleven travelled to the beautiful grounds of Wellington College on Saturday, looking for a win that would keep them second and well and truly in the promotion hunt. Missing several key players, skipper Griffiths won the toss and elected to bowl first, fearing that he would not have the firepower to bowl the opposition out if Windsor went for a 25 pointer.

Griffiths' concern about lack of firepower seemed justified at first, as the Eversley openers got off to a flyer. Both Ahmed and Mohammed bowled some testing deliveries but too often strayed in both line and length and presented the openers with scoring opportunities. Eversley, steam rolling at almost 6 runs per over, looked odds on for posting a big score and Griffiths was ruing his decision to bowl. However, the introduction of Hartridge and Bhullar, swung the game back in Windsor's favour, with Hartridge swinging the ball in at a good pace, and Bhullar bowling booming outswing. Wickets began to fall at regular intervals, and Windsor's young seamers were backed up by the tidy off spin of Benawra and Saunders, and the whole team benefited from the impressive outfielding of Brown and Mohammed. As the Eversley innings came to an end, Ahmed and Hartridge returned to mop up the tail with some devastating yorkers, with Hartridge picking up career best figures of 5-19 (please note, Tom has promised to buy his jug next week and Ricky Saunders still owes one for his fifty last week). Eversley finished on 214-9 which was somewhat bolstered by the 54 extras that Windsor gifted them.

A fine al-fresco tea was taken and then Windsor began their run chase. What could have proved to be a tricky run chase seemed to be a mere formality after just a few overs. Both Saunders and Brown took the attack to the erratic Eversley bowlers, with Saunders unleashing some booming drives, and Brown punishing anything slightly short. Windsor reached the fifty in no time before Saunders was done by some extra bounce and fended away to gully. A team huddle from the Eversley fielders showed that they thought they were back in the game. How wrong they could have been. Out strode Bradbury who wasted no time in putting bat to ball and gave a masterclass in cut, drive, and thwack. Brown continued to play his shots and the Eversley skipper had no answers: it was just a case of which batsmen got himself out first. Eventually, Bradbury played one cut shot too many and was caught at point. Ben Lewis, playing solely as a batsman, also looked to be positive and played some elegant drives before top edging a pull. This brought Houghton to the crease, who in typical fashion, played his shots and was not afraid to hit over the infield. Brown and Houghton made a handsome partnership, and in the process Brown passed fifty. With just one run to win, a careless run out gifted Eversley Brown's wicket and another point. However, Griffiths hit his first ball for the required single and Windsor celebrated an excellent team performance, with all of the players demonstrating that they are capable of playing a better standard. The only down side of the day was the league points structure. Despite comprehensively defeating Eversley, Windsor only picked up eight more points than them.

Windsor 4’s continue push for promotion
15-07-06

Thatcham Town 4’s 226 for 8, 52 Overs (Charters 5 for 49)
Windsor 4’s 229 for 7, 43.4 Overs (Charters 115)

Windsor IVs had another top of the table clash, this time against Thatcham Town. Thatcham lost the toss and Windsor decided to bowl first. Thatcham started well and were scoring quickly, but wickets started to fall and runs dried up. Lewis getting the first with a beauty of a delivery, clean bowling the opener. S. Martin struck next thanks to a quick catch by wicket keeper Houghton. R. Charters was brought into the attack and picked up a quick wicket with a catch in the deep from Martin. Thatcham started to pick up their run rate and scored heavily, but wickets also kept coming. Charters picking up a further four wickets, an LBW, another catch by Houghton, a stumping by Houghton and clean bowled. S. Martin took another as J. Holmes took a fantastic catch. Some big hitting at the end of the innings saw Thatcham to 226 – 8 from 52 overs. Charters ending with bowling figures of 5 – 49.

Windsor’s batting order had been altered to give Martin and Charters time to rest after the long bowling spells they had just bowled, so T. Houghton and C. Light opened the batting. Houghton (8) hit two devastating fours before being given out from a no-ball. Light (0) followed soon after, clean bowled. Charters came to the crease and batted superbly with Kabir Bhuller making his IVs debut playing well. Kabir Bhuller finally went for 36. Holmes scored a reasonably quick 29. Martin came to the crease and saw Windsor to within 4 runs of winning. Charters finally was out bowled having scored a hugely important 115. Martin was stumped going for the winning shot, then Vigi was stumped too and Windsor were starting to worry. M. Gegg (4*) and B. Lewis (0*) saw Windsor home as Gegg slipped the ball through the slips for four. Windsor ending up on 229 – 7 from 43.4 overs. Another much needed 20 points, making the gap between 2nd and 3rd larger.

Hurricane Houghton Strikes Down Bagshot
Saturday 8th July

Bagshot III 232 for 7; 51.1 overs (Rice 63, Clark 60)
Windsor IV 233 for 6; 43.3 overs (Houghton 89*)

Windsor IVs went into this match with a full squad and were looking for a win against top of the table rivals Bagshot. Bagshot won the toss and decided to bat. They started well and it took some time for the wickets to come. Ben Lewis made the break through with an in-swinging Yorker and he soon picked up a second with the same delivery. Bristow took his first wicket as the Bagshot player dragged the ball back onto his stumps. Bagshot started to look shaky but N. Rice played well and steadied their innings. Ben Lewis struck again thanks to a catch from Ric Saunders. Richard Charters was denied a stumping and an LBW due to a couple of very poor decisions, but got a wicket bowling the batsmen off his legs. John Holmes came onto bowl with some terrific pace and bowled N. Rice (63) with a fast, seaming delivery. M. Clark (50) was run out by a direct hit from Ryan Doye and Bagshot declared on 232 – 7 from 51.1 overs.

Windsor openers Saunders (48) and Charters (30) started well and were starting to look comfortable when Charters was caught behind from the bowling of Sutherland. Ric Saunders followed soon after bowled by Sutherland. Dan Brown and Ryan Doye looked to solidify the innings but Doye (4) was given out LBW. Houghton the captain came to the crease knowing that a big innings was needed. Dan Brown tickled one to the keeper, again, off the bowling of Sutherland. Tom Carter hung about for a few overs with Houghton, until he chipped one up for an easy catch. Michael Gegg put in a big innings not scoring many, but defending his wickets valiantly and feeding the strike to Houghton. Gegg (8) finally was bowled after a partnership of 78, leaving Windsor needing only 15 runs to win. John Holmes (8*) and Tim Houghton (89*) saw Windsor home and to another 20 point win.

Cove IV vs. Windsor IV

Windsor 4’s 184 all out (Houghton 91, Brown 60)
Cove 4’s 185 for 1 (Catchpole 83, Garfoot 53*)

World cup fever was with up again this week and the reverberations were felt throughout the club. Windsor set out to Cove with only 9 players. Windsor lost the toss and were put into bat. Opener Scott Martin was caught behind on 5 and the next ball Charles Light was stumped failing to return to his crease after leaving the ball. Windsor found themselves 5 – 2. Then, Tim Houghton and Dan Brown started to dig in. The run rate started to pick up and bowling became erratic. Some devastating strokes by Houghton saw the run rate speed up to almost 8 an over. Windsor were on 145 when the next wicket fell, Tim Houghton bowled by a ball that didn’t bounce after pitching on 91. Dan Brown pushed on and made a well deserved 60. Cove were into the tail and mopped up quickly. Windsor collapsing to 184 all out.

Cove came out attacking and picked the holes in the field and scored quickly. Kenny Lawrence had to stop bowling after three overs because of an injury. Colin Bristow and Scott Martin tried as hard as they could with no luck as Cove kept hitting balls through the gaps in the field. Eventually, Jespal Benawra got a wicket, Catchpole, stumped by Houghton. Windsor fought hard but no more wickets fell and Cove finished their innings with 185 – 1.

Windsor IV vs. Hillingdon Manor III - 24-06-06

Windsor 4’s 308 for 3; 40 Overs (Maclennan 85*, Brown 55*, Martin 51)Hillingdon 164 all out; 42 Overs (Young 51)

Windsor IVs were looking to put last week behind them and prove a point that last week was just a glitch. Windsor lost the toss, but were asked to bat first. Windsor got off to a great start with Scott Martin and Dan Maclennan putting on 125 for the first wicket. Scott Martin caught in the deep on 51. Dan Brown and Dan Maclennan put on a further 36 before Dan Maclennan was caught on 85. Windsor new boy Steve Swann came to the crease with Windsor on 161 for 2. Steve and Dan batted superbly with some great shots being played taking Windsor IVs to 308 for 3 from 20 overs. Steve out stumped off the last ball for 91 and Dan Brown ending the innings on an unbeaten 55.

Hillingdon came out to bat and looked to play shots. Windsor kept pushing and eventually the break through came when Ben Lewis cleaned bowled their opener with a beautiful in swinging yorker. Colin Bristow took one when an edge was palmed up by the keeper and caught at second slip by Dan Brown. Wickets started falling steadily as Lewis picked up another, clean bowled. Scott Martin was brought into the attack and got two quick wickets, one LBW and one bowled. A change in bowling brought Jespal Benawra to bowl. Using his high loop out of the sun he caused trouble eventually picking up a well deserved wicket thanks to a great catch by Tim Houghton. Ben Lewis and Colin Bristow were both brought back and took a wicket each. Lewis bowling one off his pads and Bristow getting his thanks to Stephen Hunter taking an awkward catch. Dan Brown was asked to bowl as Windsor could feel victory coming. In his second over Dan dragged the batsman forward and the wicket keeper Tim Houghton stumped their last batsman. Hillingdon Manor ended up 164 all out.

Windsor IVs left this match feeling better having put in such a convincing performance and taking the 25 much needed points.

Finchampstead IV vs. Windsor IV - Sat 17th June

Windsor 49 All Out
Finchsampstead 50 for 0

The OBT XI (Over By Tea) lived up to their name once more but not in the manner in which they have grown accustomed. With the worst batting performance from Windsor IVs for many years they made an average bowling attack on a batting wicket look good. Windsor found themselves 49 all out.

Jay Bannerjee and Kenny Lawrence opened the bowling attack and caused a few problems, but no wickets were taken as two hard chances were dropped off the bowling of Bannerjee. Finchamstead ended there innings on 50 for 0.

Windsor IVs will put this performance behind them and hope that they have got it out of their system for the rest of the season. All eyes on next week where they will be out to prove a point.

Maidenhead and Bray IV vs. Windsor IV - Saturday 10th June

Maidenhead and Bray 147 All Out
Windsor 4's 148 for 4 (Light 54*)

World Cup fever has struck Windsor IVs and players were dropping out all over the place to watch the match. So a 9 man team headed to the game to find Scott Martin had brought his son Jack along to play if needed.

Windsor won the toss and decided to bowl. Ben Lewis and Kenny Lawrence opened the bowling. No early wicket and chances dropping in gaps frustrated the Windsor side. The break through came with a C&B by Kenny Lawrence. The runs started to slow and wickets started to fall. Ben Lewis picked up two, both clean bowled. A change in the bowling saw Colin Bristow pick up a C&B with his first ball. Scott Martin came into the attack and the wickets came quicker and quicker. Bristow took another, a run out and 3 for Martin saw Maidenhead and Bray IV 147 all out.

Scott Martin and Dan Maclennan opened the batting and Windsor’s run rate was good when B. Vaja bowled Scott Martin round his legs with a ball Warne would have been proud of. Dan Maclennan was bowled by S. Vaja and Windsor slumped to 60 – 4. Tim Houghton (26) and Charles Light put on 40 for the next wicket. Light (54*) and Lewis (18*) guided Windsor home for another 20 point win.

Match Report – Windsor IV vs. Falkland IV
03-06-06

Falkland 4’s 206 all out 51.3 Overs (Carlisle 69, Martin 5 for 42)
Windsor 4’s 207 for 5 35.5 Overs (Malik 77, Martin 51)

Another poor week for availabities saw a weakened 4th Team taking on third place rivals Falkland IV’s. Falkland won the toss and elected to bat, and got off to a reasonably good start, despite Kenny Lawrence’s early wicket, reaching 54 – 1 off 12 overs. The Windsor bowlers tightened the bowling and the runs started to dry up. Falkland’s batsmen became increasingly frustrated and a few rash shots started to appear. Wickets began to fall with Colin Bristow picking up one at the end of his spell. A change in the bowling saw Scott Martin come into the bowling attack in an attempt to keep the runs tight. The Falkland batsmen looked to go on the attack and runs started to come, but so did wickets. Scott Martin ended his bowling spell with 5 – 42, including two wickets in two balls. John Holmes opened his tally for the 4th team, clean bowling one of there tail enders with a very quick delivery. He brought about the end of the Falkland innings with a great throw from the deep to run out Wilson Carlisle, who had scored 69. Falkland’s innings ended 206 – 10 from 51.3 overs.

Windsor started their innings well with Umar Malik (77) and Ric Saunders (22) putting on 109 for the first wicket, against a rather weak bowling line up. Scott Martin then hit a quick 51 leaving Windsor about 40 to win. Some rash shots were played by Windsor in an attempt to wrap up the game resulting in a few quick wickets, but John Holmes (7*) and Danny Brown (17*) saw Windsor home to another 20 point win. Windsor ending the match with 207 – 5 from 35.5 overs

Aldershot III vs. Windsor IV
Saturday 27th May

Windsor 4’s 200 all out (Houghton 60, Martin 45, Charters 35)
Aldershot 3’s 106 for 9

A selection and injury/illness stuck Windsor went to Aldershot with only 10 men looking to continue there winning ways. Windsor didn’t get the start they had hoped for when they lost the toss and were put into bat on a damp and difficult batting surface.

Scott Martin (45) and Richard Charters (35) started Windsor on their way to 62-1 with some cultured shot play. There was a quick fall of wickets that found Windsor 102-4, Aldershot’s Squell (pick of their bowling attack) causing the damage. Windsor IV’s captain Tim Houghton bludgeoned 60* assisted by the rest of the Windsor Team. Amit Subhaker taking a painful blow to the foot and some clever batting by Kenny Lawrence saw Windsor’s 10 men all out for 200.

Rain at tea almost saw the game end, but the weather cleared and the match continued. Amit Suhbaker and Kenny Lawrence with a great opening spell reduced Aldershot to 11-4. Aldershot’s batsmen dug in and frustrated the bowlers with a lack of any attacking play at all. Wickets fell slowly with Colin Bristow taking one with the help of a casual catch by Kenny Lawrence. Amit Johal took another and Jespal Benawra put the pressure on when he drew the Aldershot captain into a rash shot that was brilliantly help by Ben Lickley. Then with the penultimate ball Benawra struck again clean bowling the Aldershot batsman, leaving them on 106-9 with only one ball to go. Unfortunately, the last Aldershot batsman fended off the final ball and Windsor’s 10 men had to settle for 15 points.

Match Report – Basingstoke V vs. Windsor IV
Saturday 20th May

Basingstoke 5’s 61 all out (Suhbarker 4 for 1)
Windsor 4’s 62 for 3

Windsor IV’s went to Basingstoke looking to bounce back after the disappointment of last season. They didn’t get the start they wanted when they lost the toss and were asked to field. Ben Lewis took the first wicket totally outdoing the Basingstoke opener and clean bowling him. Then a great catch by Charles Light in Gully brought Ben’s tally to two. Ashwin Khana opened his account for the season with an LBW in his final over.

On came Rob Hodgson and Amit Subhaker to bowl, keeping the bowling very tight. Runs were almost impossible for the Basingstoke batsmen to find. As the pressure mounted wickets began to fall fast. Rob Hodgson took two and a fumbled catch led to a run out thanks to the quick thinking (and running) of Ben Lewis. Amit Subhaker was the pick of the bowlers with 7 overs, 6 maidens, 1 run for 4 wickets. Basingstoke ended their innings on 61 all out.

Windsor looked to make the runs quickly but did not get off to a good start when Jay Bannerjee top edged to a fielder on his first ball. Scott Martin and Ben Lickley in quick order, both out LBW, before Rob Hodgson and Dan Maclennan solidified the Windsor batting; guiding them to their first win of the season ending on 62 for 3.

Windsor IV vs. Kidmore End IV
Saturday 13th May 2006

Kidmore End 4’s 94 all out
Windsor 4’s 97 for 1 (Scott Martin 47*)

Windsor IV’s were looking to continue their good start with the first home game of the season against Kidmore End IV. Windsor won the toss and decided to put Kidmore End into bat.

Kenny Lawrence playing in his first Saturday fixture for two years showed that he had lost none of his skill getting their opener caught at gully thanks to a tremendous catch by Scott Martin in his first over. Ben Lewis joined in the wicket taking and Kidmore End slumped to 25 for 4. Then J. Neal and C. Selman dug in for Kidmore End frustrating the Windsor bowling attack. Eventually the break through came when Rob Hodgson’s warm up ball was played back onto the stumps. Still Kidmore End fought on until a great catch in the deep by Dan Maclennan from Hodgson’s bowling dismissed Selman. Hodgson quickly cleaned up the tail and Kidmore End were bowled out for 94.

Windsor openers Scott Martin and Dan Maclennan set about the run chase with great stroke play. Dan Maclennan deceived by a great late swinging ball was bowled for 29. Scott Martin (47*) and Ben Lickley (2*) guided Windsor home, ending on 97 for 1.

Windsor 4's denied at the last!

Windsor 4th XI – 225 all out (52 overs)
Boyne Hill - 182-8 (48 overs)

An innings of 61 from young colt Rory Hannigan, a knock that included three huge sixes, helped steer Windsor 4's to a commanding 225 all out away at Boyne Hill on Saturday. In reply Boyne Hill were slow out of the blocks as the Windsor openers stifled the runs, Scott Martin opening burst of eight maidens and only three runs conceded from his opening ten overs being particularly instrumental. Young Mark Lines though was again the pick of the bowlers picking him 4-52 from his clever left arm off spin reducing Boyne Hill to 182-8 from their 48 overs. If Windsor had been able to eek out those last two wickets they would have been sitting pretty at the top of the table.

Windsor 4th XI vs. Newbury 2nd XI

Windsor 4's 156 all out
Newbury 2's 158 for 6

Newbury 2's won by 4 wickets

Windsor 4's suffered defeat in their division 6a game against Newbury 2's. Losing the toss against a side who won their final eight games of last season, and started this season with a 25 point win against Maidenhead & Bray, Windsor were put into bat on a Home Park wicket offering much assistance to the new ball bowlers. 61 from Scott Martin and a cameo 34 from John Holmes were instrumental in Windsor totalling 156 all out from 47.1 overs. In truth although the wicket was offering assistance, the total was about 30 runs short of a truly competitive total. In reply tight bowling throughout made a game of it, but league favourites Newbury were able to chase down the target in 47th over, for the loss of six wickets

Windsor 4th XI vs. Finchampstead 4th XI
Saturday 7th May 2005

Finchampstead 4 185-9
Windsor 4 189-4

Windsor won by 4 wkts

Windsor 4's got their new Division 6 campaign off to a great start with a good win away at Finchampstead. Put into a bat on a hard and slightly green wicket, Finchampstead got themselves off to a flying start with Beale in particular in fine form. With only one seam bowler available, Windsor introduced their spinners into the attack, and both Scott Martin and Mark Lynes tied the batsman up and reduced Finchampstead to a competitive 185-9. 15 year old Mark Lynes was the pick of the bowlers with 5-42, his left arm off spin causing the batsmen all kinds of problems.

In reply Finchampstead got off to a perfect start reducing Windsor to 18-3, but solid batting from Scott Martin (71*), Rory Hannigan (53) and Tim Houghton (32*) saw Windsor home to a six wicket victory and 20 points in the bag.

Chiswick & Latimer 5th XI vs Windsor 4th XI - Saturday 7th August

Windsor 278 for 6 S.Martin 70, T.Houghton 62no, R.Hannigan 56

Chiswick & Latimer 119 all out B.Lewis 9-41

A new club bowling record of 9-41 by seam bowler Ben Lewis took Windsor to a comprehensive victory over promotion rivals Chiswick & Latimer. Windsor won the toss and elected to bat on an unpredictable wicket which was only ever going to get worse. Half centuries from Scott Martin, colt Rory Hannigan and wicket keeper Tim Houghton laid the foundations for Windsor 4s highest score for a number of seasons. So brutal was the batting towards the end of innings, Windsor profited with 90 runs in the last 10 overs.

With 25 points up for grabs, Windsor knew their quick bowling trio would find this unpredictable wicket to their liking and enter seamer Ben Lewis, who bowled magnificently from the first ball, he finished with career best and club best 9-41 from 11.1 hostile overs. With 25 points in the bag, the win leaves Windsor 27 points clear of 3rd place with just two games remaining!

Maidenhead & Bray 3rd XI vs Windsor 4th XI - Saturday 24th July

Windsor 223 for 9 O.Sabberton 62, S.Martin 57, T.Houghton 52no, M.Ishraq 6-96

Maidenhead & Bray 220 all out N.Parkinson 116, C.Bristow 6-62, B.Lewis 4-46

A hat-trick by swing bowler Colin Bristow helped give a pumped up Windsor 4's maximum points in the top of the table clash away at Maidenhead & Bray on Saturday. The 25 point win meant Windsor replaced their hosts at the top of the table with just 4 games remaining.

Windsor Captain Charles Light won the toss and elected to bat in what was to be a fiery top of the table clash. Scott Martin set Windsor on their way with a brisk 57 and his half century together with two more from Ollie Sabberton (62) and Tim Houghton (52 no) helped Windsor on the way to 223 for 9 from their 52 overs. Mawaz Ishfaq taking 6 impressive leg spin wickets.

But it was Bristow who stole the show with the ball. The away swing bowler picking up 6-62 including a hat-trick, but the Maidenhead innings wasn't without incident! Excellent early bowling from Bristow and fellow new ball bowler Ben Lewis, left the league leaders in deep trouble on 56-6, which included Bristows impressive three successive wickets. But an excellent century from Parkinson (116) brought Maidenhead right back into the game, so much so they needed just 12 to win in eight overs with 3 wickets remaining. This prompted skipper Light to bring Lewis and Bristow back into the attack, and it paid dividends as Rooprai was the last man to depart LBW to Bristow three runs short of victory and was the queue for joyous celebrations from the Windsor side. The 25 point win for Windsor lifted them above their hosts and now lead the table by 5 points.

Windsor 4th XI vs Royal Ascot 3rd XI - Saturday 17th July

Windsor 262 for 4 S.Martin 131, R.Charters 101 no

Royal Ascot 145 all out Abrams 40, Martin 3-7. Charters 3-18

A 4th XI record 2nd wicket partnership of 215 between Scott Martin and Richard Charters was the cornerstone of Windsor 4's impressive victory over bottom side Royal Ascot on Saturday. Windsor posted an impressive 262/4 before the declaration came in the just the 35th over. What was even more impressive was that after 15 overs Windsor were 64/1 meaning the next 20 overs went for 198 runs! Martin was eventually out for 131 (his first century of the season) and Charters finished unbeaten on 101.

Throughout the season sides have found it difficult to dismiss Ascot, hence skipper Light's pre-match tactic to bat no more than 40 overs to allow 60 overs to bowl Ascot out, Martin and Charter's impressive batting meant he could add 5 overs to that total, and the bowlers didn't let the batsman down. Although of the bowlers it was again Martin and Charters that stole the show, Martin's 6-3-7-3 and Charters' 5-1-18-3 together with skipper Light 10-4-18-1 put a stranglehold on the Ascot replay, and wickets for part-time bowlers Phil Bullock and Pete Griffiths dismissed Ascot for just 145. With all the other sides in the top 4 failing to register a win, the 25 points has further strengthed Windsor's position in the promotion hunt.

North Maidenhead 4th XI vs Windsor 4th XI - Saturday 3rd July

North Maidenhead 146 all out P.Creffield 26 M.Lynes 4-15, C.Bristow 3-33

Windsor 150 for 5 S.Martin 37, C.Light 30, A.Johal 25 no

A second four wicket haul in successive weeks for youngster Mark Lynes proved the backbone of Windsor 4's comprehensive victory away at North Maidenhead on Saturday. 3 wickets for fellow seamer Colin Bristow, together with the tidy Scott Martin 1-18 from 12 overs helped skittle out Maidenhead for 146, Creffield providing the only resistance with a creditable 26.

Scott Martin 37, Charles Light 30 and 25 not out from Amit Johal timed the run chase to perfection as Windsor successfully chased the total for the loss of only 5 wickets.

The win pushes Windsor 4's further towards their goal of Division 6 cricket.

Windsor 4th XI vs Chiswick & Latimer 5th XI - Saturday 26th June

Chiswick & Latimer 114 all out M.Lynes 4-19

Windsor 118 for 5 S.Martin 70

Windsor 4's promotion aspirations were back on track with a comprehensive victory over second place Chiswick & Latimer. The win saw Windsor leapfrog Chiswick into second place. Acting skipper Michael Gegg lost the toss on a damp Home Park wicket and his side were put into the field. 15 year old Berkshire colt Mark Lynes was the pick of the bowlers picking up an impressive 4-19 on what his senior debut for the club. His left arm inswing troubled all of the Chiswick batsman and the pressure brought about by the other bowlers, Khanna, Lewis, Holmes and Martin and clever bowling changes by skipper Michael Gegg confined Chiswick to just 114 runs.

Windsor set off the run chase at a canter, and despite the early loss of David Holmes, Shaun Bishop and Amit Johal, aussie Scott Martin and returning university batsman Pete Griffiths went along at just under 8 an over. Martin eventually succumbed on 70, but it was great to see the aussie run machine return to form in some style. In form middle order batsman Tim Houghton and Johnathon Holmes saw Windsor home in just the 16th over!