Cutting Edge Fires Windsor to Victory

Slough 5th XI - 151 All Out (Edge 6-81) - 40.1 overs
Windsor 3rd XI - 153 - 2 (Bullock 62*) - 20.4 overs

An fine all round display, capped by superb individual performances by Chris Edge and Tommy Bullock, enabled Windsor to cruise to victory against Slough, in the opening game of their league campaign.

Once play finally got underway an hour after the scheduled start time,
Windsor were asked to field first and immediately Edge and Kiwi Jordan
Thompson found their rhythm. Both bowlers were moving the ball in the air and off the seam and it was a surprise that it took 13 overs for the initial
breakthrough to come, Edge removing the Slough number 2's off stump with the score on 27. Thompson was quickly in on the act and followed up with a two wicket maiden to leave Slough reeling at 31-3 from 14 overs. A counter attack from Slough saw runs come quickly in the next four overs, Pete Jones in particular suffering at the hands of aggressive stroke play. However, the introduction of the ever-dependable Andy Wigley saw the runs dry up once more, and he soon got amongst the wickets leaving Slough 65-4 after 20 overs. The bespectacled Edge continued his marathon spell at the other end and, after missing out on a couple of wickets due to some very dubious lbw decisions, he finally got his rewards with a two wicket maiden to leave Slough in deep trouble at 86-6. Windsor were firmly turning the screw and when Edge picked up his 5th and 6th wickets in quick succession to leave Slough 9 down, it looked as though it was job well done. However, a savage attack by Slough's number 10 on the tiring Edge saw the ball disappear to all parts and suddenly Windsor were chasing 150. The re-introduction of Thompson saw the Slough innings come to an end as he picked up his 3rd wicket of the innings and, despite needing to chase 40 more than they were expecting, Windsor were still satisfied with their efforts.

After a delightful tea, Windsor were back out and openers Bullock and Dawson set about their target in fine style. A mixture of brutal stroke play and excellent running between the wickets saw the pair bring up their 50
partnership in just 7 overs. Dawson in particular appeared to be in a hurry
and, after a couple of huge blows, he eventually holed out to deep mid
wicket with the score on 77. That brought the talented Simon Rodwell to the crease and he soon made his intentions clear, launching the Slough bowler out of the park. Bullock continued to accumulate the runs at a fair rate and, once he brought up a deserved 50, Windsor were all but home and dry.

With the weather closing in, Rodwell decided it was time to finish things
off. After looking physically sick following an all run six, he smashed two
more maximums to leave Windsor with just three runs to win. One shot too many saw him fall for an entertaining 39 and it was simply left to Bullock to finish things off and remain unbeaten on 62, with Windsor cruising past their target in just 20 overs to seal an 8 wicket win.

Windsor can be very pleased with the efforts in their opening game and,
despite the merry-go-round that is selection, the remaining five players
from Saturday's fixture can take a great deal of confidence into this weeks
game

Windsor 3’s season starts strongly.

Fulmer 105 All Out (34 Overs)
Windsor 106 for 2 (27 Overs)

Windsor 3’s opened their account on Saturday with a solid performance against under-strength Fulmer side. After losing the toss, Windsor were asked to field and new ball pairing of Rudi January and Jordan Thompson, a new recruit from New Zealand, immediately set into a rhythm with some accurate bowling. Thompson was particularly impressive swinging the ball both ways and should have picked up a couple of wickets but for some poor catching attempts by Windsor's outfielders. Despite the tight bowling from Windsor, Fulmer's openers stood firm and it was only the introduction of old war-horse Andy Wigley that brought the breakthrough, Dawson taking a smart catch at gully to leave them 38-1 after 13 overs. A change at the other end saw young prospect Kabir Bhuller introduced to the attack and he immediately gained the second breakthrough, clean bowling Fulmer's number 3 with a full swinging delivery. From that point onwards, Windsor were in complete control and a steady procession of wickets saw Bhuller end his spell with 4 and Wigley with 2. Windsor's fielding continued to improve in the second half of the innings and the tight bowling was backed up by good catches from Lickley and Noble, and an impressive run out from Haywood. With Fulmer at 88-7 after 30 overs, Thompson was re-introduced to the attack and soon mopped up the tail to collect his first wickets for Windsor, leaving Fulmer all out for 105 from 34 overs.

With Windsor's strong batting line up it always looked like a target of 106 would not pose too many problems and so it proved as openers Huggins and Dawson got the innings off to an aggressive start, moving along at 6 an over for the first 8 overs. Both were looking in good touch and it was something of a surprise when, on 20, Huggins had his off stump removed. That brought Noble to the crease and the run rate slowed as he took time to play himself in. Dawson continued where he had left off from last season and had made a flowing 32 until he chased a wide one and was caught behind. With run rate never an issue Noble and Lickley, batting at number 4, pushed the ball around with ease. With only 30 needed both men opened their shoulders and a flurry of boundaries took Windsor to within touching distance of victory. It was left for Noble to hit the winning runs with Windsor coasting to an 8-wicket win with more than 13 overs remaining.

All in all a very good start for Windsor, who will look to build on this victory with the league season fast approaching.

Three’s come back from brink
Saturday 26th August

Windsor 3’s 139 all out; 39.3 Overs (Dawson 57)
Wooburn Narkovians 136 all out; 43.3 Overs (Wigley 6 for 25)

With the top of the table exceptionally closed, Windsor 3’s played second placed Wooburn last Saturday in an important promotion clash.

On a sticky, green quagmire, Windsor batted first and were in immediate difficulties losing Ashraf, Murray and Noble cheaply in the early overs, leaving veteran Dawson stranded at the non-strikers end. Whilst the score did tick along, so the wickets mounted up and only a large partnership by Hartridge and Dawson saw Windsor past 100. Hartridge, an aggressive young batsman lived and eventually died by the sword, particularly aggressive on the back foot through the leg-side. When Dawson was finally dismissed for 57, the Windsor tail fold meekly and the tame caught and bowled of the final wicket signified a below par batting performance.

Wooburn in reply looked to be aggressive from the word go and despite some good bowling from Hartridge, who picked up some early wickets, they were seemingly cruising to the target with relative ease. Windsor skipper Noble rummaged through his bag of tricks, striving to find the right formula, using Lines, Endacott and Hodgson on the way.

When defeat loomed large, it would prove though to be the veteran swing of Andy Wigley who would change things around as bowling from the river end, he began to make breakthroughs. Wooburn went from 110 for 3 to 120 for 8 in next to no time and coupled with Hodgson, the Wigley tore through the batting line-up. Wooburn lost their 9th wicket as the score hit 130 and tension began to mount. Near missed run-outs, close lbw’s all acted as a precursor to the final dismissal by Wigley to win the game. The raucous scenes after such a huge win were enough to stop the game on the 1st team pitch for a moment, as Windsor 3’s re-opened the promotion race.

With the fourth team already promoted, the incentive for the third team is now clear at Windsor. Gain promotion or play in parallel leagues next season. A final push over the next two games will see success or failure and the six point gap to Wooburn is now a reasonable target to push for.

Hodgson: The King of the Swingers

Saturday 29th July 2006

Hurst 2’s 188 all out; 51.2 Overs (Murphy 64; Hodgson 6-86)
Windsor 3’s 191 for 6; 37 Overs (Ashraf 66)

A very impressive all-round performance saw Windsor 2nd XI gain a valuable 20 point victory on Saturday at Hurst.

Having lost the toss Windsor were forced to bowl in high temperatures but started well and backed up by tight fielding managed to keep Hurst’s openers to only 8 runs off the first seven overs and that pressure brought the first wicket when Wigley made a difficult catch at 2nd slip look easy off the bowling of Hodgson.

Hodgson’s tight bowling was well supported by Endacott and Wigley as Windsor continued to frustrate the Hurst batsmen. Hurst managed a slow 3rd wicket partnership but two wickets in two overs turned the screw even further. First a good catch at gully by Murray gave Wigley a wicket who then snaffled another good slip catch off the bowling of Hodgson to get rid of the Hurst opener and dangerman Murphy for 68.

After Lloyd had taken his 2nd catch of the innings behind the stumps, Windsor continued to fight for every run and the bowling was being backed up by some excellent fielding including good run saving work by Ashraf and Doys, who then took a magnificent catch in the deep to get rid of one of the main dangermen and keep Windsor on top.

Following a tight spell from Wigley, Malik’s leg spin entered the attack and despite conceding a few runs in his first over soon settled into a nice rhythm which yielded a deserved wicket as Windsor kept chipping away at the Hurst batsmen.

Hodgson picked up his 6th wicket in his 26th and final over after deceiving the Hurst tail-ender with a slower ball in between two run outs which ended the Hurst innings 4 balls early as they were dismissed for 188, a total Windsor could be proud of in the circumstances. A magnificent fielding effort kept the score below 200 and Windsor were confident of getting the 189 runs needed to win.

Despite losing Doye for a duck Rodwell and Ashraf settled the innings with a positive 70+ partnership until Rodwell was out for 44 after some impressive boundaries, but Ashraf continued his form and survived a strong appeal for a bat-pad catch to score an impressive 66 including one big straight six until he was bowled by a ball which kept very low. Following his dismissal Max Murray kept the Windsor innings together with a composed 48no and despite losing a few late wickets Windsor crossed the finishing line with over 15 overs to spare. A very pleasing win to which everyone can say they contributed.

Windsor 3’s have a Royal time at Ascot

Royal Ascot 2’s 175 all out; 47 overs
Windsor 3’s 176 for 4; 31 overs

Royal Ascot 2’s found themselves up against a fired up Windsor 3rd team on Saturday and we soon in trouble as the Endacott and Kemp partnership made early inroads in the Ascot batting line-up. Ably supported by Wigley and Ashraf, Windsor continued to tak ewickets and Ascot never really got going. It was left to Kemp bowling like a steam train to mop up the tail and see the home side bowled out for 175.

In reply, Windsor lost early wickets as they looked to chase down the target. It was Ashraf with the bat, in partnership with Malik, who both stroked the ball effortlessly around the picturesque Ascot outfield to notch up an impressive win.

Kemp stars in Windsor victory

Boyne Hill 2’s 180 all out, 48.3 Overs (Rogers 63, Kemp hat-trick)
Windsor 3’s 181 for 7, 46.4 Overs (Lloyd 51)

A hat trick from overseas star Brendon Kemp and a fine match winning half century from wicket keeper Wayne Lloyd, were the highlights as Windsor 3's managed to overcome promotion-chasing rivals Boyne Hill in a tense match.

After winning the toss Windsor stuck to their usual game plan of bowling first on a wicket that appeared to offer plenty of assistance. This decision looked justified as Kemp took a smart caught and bowled chance to leave Boyne Hill 14-1. The situation could have been even better for Windsor if Sam Condon had not been no-balled when he clean bowled Boyne Hill's other opener two overs later. Boyne Hill consolidated their position and at drinks found themselves nicely placed on 82-1 after 26 overs. However, Windsor continued to keep things tight and the pressure began mounting on Boyne Hill, with the ageless Andy Wigley and left arm spinner Mark Lines bowling particularly well. As Boyne Hill's batsmen attempted to push the scoring on wickets began to fall at regular intervals and with 10 overs remaining Windsor had managed to restrict them to 144-7, with Wigley taking four wickets and Lines picking up two. A few lusty blows from Boyne Hill's tail enders prompted skipper Noble to bring back strike bowler Kemp and the big South African did not disappoint as he literally blew the tail away. Two wickets with the first two balls of his comeback over saw a nervous looking Boyne Hill number 11 come to the crease on a hat-trick ball. The field was immediately brought in with all nine men crowded round the bat. Kemp however, did not need them as a full and straight delivery saw the batsman's middle stump uprooted for Kemp to claim his hat-trick and leave Windsor very happy to have bowled their opponents out for just 180.

Windsor's chased started cautiously with both Ashraf and Dawson very watchful early on. Both began to play with more confidence once they got their eye in and it with therefore a surprise when both fell in quick succession to leave Windsor 41-2 after 14 overs. Once Noble had fallen cheaply the big hitting duo of Simon Rodwell and Kemp began to blast Windsor into a match winning position. However, both fell playing big shots and after 25 overs Windsor were 95-5 leaving the game very evenly poised. A couple more quick wickets after drinks left Windsor still need 65 at four an over with just 3 wickets remaining. Enter Wayne Lloyd who, partnered by the experienced Wigley, built a partnership to pull the game back into Windsor's favour. As Wigley ensured the run rate ticked over, Lloyd opened his shoulders and played some fine shots all around the wicket. After he had reached a deserved half century it was left for Wigley to hit the winning runs as Windsor reached their target with 4 overs to spare and pick up a deserved and very hard fought victory.

Windsor seamers can stand the heat

Maidenhead and Bray III 109 all out, 32 overs
Windsor III 110 for 1, 18.1 overs

While England’s footballers were struggling in the heat on Saturday, Windsor 3s showed no signs of wilting and powered to an impressive victory over a young Maidenhead and Bray side. After struggling to bowl sides out recently Windsor elected to bowl first after winning the toss. What might have seemed a strange decision on such a hot day and a flat wicket proved to be the right one. Paceman Kemp blew away Maidenheads top order with some fiery and accurate bowling. Supported well at the other end by veteran seamer Endacott and the wily Rob Hodgson, Maidenhead were dismissed for just 109 despite some resistance from a stubborn tail.

Feeling refreshed after tea Windsor got off to a good start until the captain Dawson was bamboozled by a big turning off break. That bought Andrew Chorley to the crease who finished the game off with some lusty blows. Windsor eventually cruised to victory in just 18 overs with Ashraf the other unbeaten batsmen. They will be looking to build on this impressive victory against bottom side Hampton Hill this weekend.

Windsor 3’s hit another stone wall

Windsor 3’s 221 for 8; 51 overs
Odiham & Greywell 2’s 136 for 6; 49 overs (C. Aprish 54*; B. Kemp 5 for 31)

For the second week in a row a strong Windsor 3rd team failed to convert their dominance into victory against Odiham and Greywell 2nd XI. Windsor were put in to bat and stand in skipper Dawson led from the front putting on a good opening partnership with Ashraf on what was a very sticky wicket. Both fell just short of 50 and ably supported in the middle order by Hartridge and Wigley, Windsor declared on a competitive 223.

Despite 3 early breakthroughs from the imposing figure of overseas player Brendan Kemp the total proved far too many for Odiham to chase. Kemp finished with a five wicket haul and was well supported by the guile of young spinner Mark Lines but ultimately the game petered out into another disappointing draw for Windsor.
This week Windsor 3’s are back at home to Hurst and hope for more ambitious opponents and better fortunes.

Windsor 3's: End of Season review

Not much to say apart from we came, we saw, we errr perished......nevermind....Lots of nominations for the 3rd XI end of season alternative awards......

The Captain Bligh Award for dereliction of duty
Err that'll be me then, missing 6 of the 18 games, not exactly leading from the front

The David James award for calamitous catching
Waqas Mohammed dropped more balls than your average teenager

The Peter Stringfellow award for most obvious sharking
Damien Bradbury and the failed attempts at pulling his TENNIS coach

The Danny of the Champion of the World award for poaching
Alfie at Caversham & Redingensians tapping up all of the players on show

The Posh Spice award for poncing around
Andy Towse and his personalised number plates and Damien Bradbury for lots of things

The most fresh air breathed in a season
Alex 'Audley' Harrison

The Ian Bell award for selection in the face of adversity
Ben Lickley

The Silly little boy award for being a silly Little boy
The Silly Little Boy

The George Best drinking award, for initiation to drinking
Tom Hartridge and his "I want my dad routine", he won't do it again in a hurry

The 50 cent award for club Gangsta
Umar Malik and Waqas "ask me a question" Mohammed

The Glenn McGrath award for top sledging
Ollie Sabberton, on numerous occasions

The Boscastle award for drowning on a cricket field
Wooburn Narks away

The handiest team in Div 5a
Farnham Royal 3s, Jacko, Psycho, Miggy et al

The biggest cheats in div 5a
Barnes Wild Geese, I could still thump their Keeper....

The best send offs
Maidenhead and Bray when their number 2 bat, who'd been giving it large in the 1st innings was run out 3rd ball in the 2nd

The Tom Hartridge award for serious drinking after a game
Shared between Caversham on the last day and Farnham Royal

Good season folks, e i e i e i o, back to Wooburn we do go....when we beat the Narks this is what we'll sing, we are the Windsor we are the Windsor ............. is our king!

18 games later and Windsor fall on their sword

Caversham and Redingensians 2nds 206 all out
Windor 3rds - 207/3
A. Towse 94* D. Riches 47*

So thats it relegation for the 3rds.....A sad end to a promising season. However, the careers of youngsters Waqas Mohammed, Umar Malik, Abdul Ashraf, Dave Riches, Rob Woodward, Ryan Doye, Harmeet Chana, Vignesh Venkataramen, Mark Lines, Tom Hartridge and Ricky Saunders have flourished in this developmental year.

Relegation maybe, but the future of the club is safe in the hands of this fine band of men...

Relegation places - what are we playing for?
Relegation places - I guess we know the score..
On and on!Does anybody know how we met the trap door?
Another zero - another mindless shot .
Behind the door, of the changing hut.
Hold the line!
Does anybody want to bat on anymore?

The show must go on!
The show must go on!
Inside my heart is breaking,
My cricket bat may be flaking,
But the thirds, still, plays on!

Whatever happens,
I'll leave it all to reason.
Another heartache - a sad failed season.
On and on!
Does anybody know what we are playing for?
I guess I'm learning.I must be warmer now..
I'll soon be turning round the corner now.
Outside the colts are playing,
And the future of the club is there for all to see!

The show must go on!
The show must go on!
Yeah!Ooh!
Inside my heart is breaking!
My cricket bat may be flaking!
But the thirds still play on!
Yeah! oh oh oh

The colts futures is painted like the wings of butterflies,
Fairy tales of yesterday, will grow but never die,
I can fly, my friends!

The show must go on!
Yeah!
The show must go on!
We'll face it with a grin!
I'm never giving in!
On with the show!

Next year we'll top the league!
we won't deceive!
we have to find the will to carry on!
On with the,
On with the show!

Apologies to Freddie Mercury

Windsor 3s Singing in the Rain

Wooburn Narkovians 182/5

Windsor 3s 183/2
Chana 60*, Chorley 63

Last Saturday, with most of the Thames Valley league washed out,
Windsor 3s
were "singin´ in the rain
Just singin´ in the rain,
What a glorious feeling,
And we're happy again.
set 183 to winFrom a reduced 40 overs,
We had plenty of heart
And we're ready for the next survival match against OMT on Saturday.

Let the runs be chased.
Chorley and Chana set the pace,
Come on with the rain
Dave Riches takes on the chase.
As we watched from the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin', singin' in the rain".
(apologies to Frank Sinatra)

A Tempest awaits as Windsor lie shipwrecked

Windsor 3's 112
Farnham Royal 3's 113/4

Act I.
A huge storm batters a ship carrying Endacott, (the Captain of Windsor), Bradbury, (Vice Captain), Dawson, Ashraf, Wigley and others. They are likely to see their team relegated due to shipwreck...

On the island near the storm, Jackson and the Farnham Royal team are introduced. We learn that Jackson has created the storm battling Endacott and company's ship. We also learn that Jackson, bizarrely was once the Duke of Farnham Royal but was banished to the Home Park with the other, for this weeks encounters.

We are introduced to Psycho, Jackson's magic fairy who tells us that the men onboard the ship have all made it ashore, but have scored only 112 runs between them. Junior, a misformed beast is introduced, midway through the first act to devastating effect. Jackson decides to be rude to Endacott, fearful of the rain endng the contest early.

Act II.
The rest of the shipwreck survivors wake up on the island, they are bowling. They are surprised that their clothes smell and feel as fresh as if they had just been bought at a market, the light rain is rinsing their whites...

The Farnham Royal batting puts the home team to bed, only Malik and Wigley stay awake, picking up two wickets each. The Farnham Royal team are about to kill the Windsor team in their sleep but the rain awakens everyone and they make an excuse to take tea.

Smith, a jester on the ship, discovers the lying down sweep shot and quickly realizes that such a shot would earn a fortune for him as a novelty in England. Junior, Smith's friend eventually finds him, but it is too late, he is out LBW, shoulder first!. Nevertheless Farnham Royal reach the total with ease. Jackson gives Endacott alcohol, causing Endacott to think Farnham Royal are more powerful than the other teams in the league. Both teams set off together later deciding to work together to ensure safety for both.

Apologies to William Shakespeare

Windsor 3s march into the valley of death

Windsor 3s 134 all out
Maidenhead & Bray 135/4

Half a league, half a Thames Valley league, half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the 11 fine cricketers. "Forward the Light Brigade! . Charge for opening bowler!" Bradbury said. Into the valley of Death Rode the 11.

"Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismayed? Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered. Theirs set to make a total, Theirs not to reason why the total was sooo low, Theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death Rode the 11 to a score of 134.

Impudent Berkshire colt to right of them, Hard hitting batsman to left of them, cultural left hander behind them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, While bowler after bowler fell, They that had fielded soooo well Came through the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of hell, All that was left of them, Left of 11.

When can their glory fade? the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Richie Noble and the other 10!

Genshians find track is clear.

Caversham & Redingensians 190/9
Windsor 3s 152 all out.

Ricky Saunders 62Windsor 3s slide continued on Saturday with a 38 run defeat against a strong Caversham and Redingensians side on Saturday.

The circus was certainly in town, with Windsor bowlers tending to throw custard pies rather than cricket balls, as Caversham laughed their way to 192. Resistance came from Mark Lines and Umar Malik, both of whom appeared to have the ball on a string, to rein in the Caversham Inninigs. A good trick if you can do it, but the Windsor performance had already fallen off the wire once too often. Windsor proving they had hands like a digital watch, as chance after chance went begging.

The Windsor reply was less French, but more Saunders as Ricky Saunders on his 3rd XI debut, carved an outstanding 62 from a rather comical Windsor Innings. Unfortunately Ricky found himself up against the great Soprendo, as batsmen continued their great disappearing act, soon after arriving at the crease. The Windsor team certainly resembled something from Monty Python, dismissed for 150 odd in consecutive weeks, but they will look to add a bit more bite for next weeks encounter at Chenies & Latymer.

Battling Windsor take Wokingham to the brink

Windsor 154 (S. Eggenhuizen 57)
Wokingham 155/9

Wokingham won by 1 wicket

Windsor's herculean efforts eventually fell in vain as Wokingham scraped to a one wicket victory, with an over to spare at the Home Park last Saturday.

An overcast day, looked like heavy storm clouds to the Windsor batsmen as lightning struck more than once, Wokingham making light work of snowballing the Windsor innings. The glimmer of light was Steve Eggenhuizens fine 57 and debutant 15 year old Tom Hartridge (32), whose scores shone through the scorebook, like a sunbeam.

Windsor's response rained down like a hailstorm, as Endacott and Mohammed thundered in. The skipper in particular caused clouds to gather over the Wokingham batsman, claiming 3 wickets and also 3 catches to leave the game poised. Another 15 year old new boy Mark Lines, bowled with maturity and incisiveness, claiming 3 wickets as Wokingham teetered on the brink. However a monsoon soon engulfed the Windsor team, as the visiting tailenders struck out confidently to win the game.

Maximum points for whirlwind entertainment, but sadly for Windsor not for league points. The future looks bright, but this team desperately needs to start winning games regularly, to avoid being blown away.

Ashraf puts Windsor's season back on track

OMT 237/9 - Endacott 4-33
Windsor 238/5 - Chorley 59, Ashraf 102

Windsor 3s gripped tightly to the coat tails of the sides above them in division 5, with a victory over OMT, which was more straightforward than the scoreline suggests.

Bowling first on a roasting hot day, Windsor restricted the hosts to 20/3 from the first 14 overs, Waqas Mohammed and Richie Endacott, showing thats it's not only their wallets they keep tight. However, left handed Winkle took the attack to the visitors and despite a couple of missed chances, raced to a well deserved century. Helping the home side reach 237 from their 49 overs.

The reply was emphatic, with Chorley and centurion Ashraf building a partnership with all but destroyed OMT's chances. Ashraf's ton was a mixture of the cultural and sheer brutality, as he took Windsor to within sight of the golden egg. Despite a typical Windsor stutter near the end, Kev Condon saw Windsor home, to keep them in touch with the others.

Windsor 3s refuse to panic.

Wooburn Narkovians 234/8
Windsor 204/9 - Ashraf 63

An epic relegation battle at the Home Park on Saturday, ended with honours even, as Windsor 3s held on for a well-earned draw, against bottom of the table Wooburn Narkovians.
Wooburn, began at a blistering rate, scoring at 8 runs per over in the opening exchanges, only the inspirational Wigley could find the consistency to resist the attack. Windsor soon managed to reel in the free flowing Wooburn and with Skipper Endacott removing the danger men; the game took on a more familiar guise. A game of cat and mouse ensued, with Sangha bowling 8 tight overs, only for the Wooburn batsmen to take the attack again to the pacemen Eggenhuizen and Mohammed. The visitors managed to reach a challenging 234/8 from their 52 overs.

Windsor's reply stuttered initially, but the fight back started, with Abdul Ashraf and Richie Noble, forming an effective partnership. The run rate troubled Windsor, but with Lickley and Wigley pushing the score on, the improbable seemed possible. However wickets regularly fell and priorities changed, firstly reach 200; secondly the message was clear "Do Not Lose". Lloyd pushed Windsor closer to their target, but it was the last wicket partnership of Sangha and Endacott, which really shone. Sangha struck the blow, which took Windsor over 200 and Endacott, was coolness personified as he batted out the last over for a creditable draw.

Windsor needs to find that winning formula soon, if they are to escape trouble at the bottom.

THAMES VALLEY LEAGUE

DIVISION 5A

BARNES WILD GEESE

VS

WINDSOR CC 3RDXI


Windsor cc 3rdXI 199 - 7
Kevin Clifford 93
Andy Wigley 45

Barnes Wild Geese 178 all out
Andy Shields 5 - 42

Windsor won by 21 runs.

The Windsor swans tamed the Barnes wild geese in an enthralling
encounter on Saturday.
Windsor elected to bat first on a damp track, in the knowledge that scoring
200 runs would ensure their safety, whilst Barnes, needed a victory to keep
them in the promotion hunt.
The scene was set for a gripping encounter. Windsor's captain Andy Wigley
and Vice-Captain Kevin Clifford decided to lead from the front and open the
batting. On a wicket of uneven bounce, they both initially struggled to
survive against the new ball. Clifford then unfurled his pull shot and the
runs started to flow. Wigley on-drove a couple of glorious drives and the
chains were broken. The two experienced batsmen continued to move the score
along steadily, as Barnes cannily rotated their bowlers. They posted a
partnership of 133, before Wigley departed for a well constructed 45. A
couple of wickets fell in quick succession and Clifford decided to anchor
the innings. He was joined at the crease by an emerging talent, namely 16
year old Ollie Smith. Smith played a mature innings as Windsor tried to
reach their safety target of 200. With the target in reach, Clifford fell
for 93. Smith hit an exquisite straight six before Windsor fell just short
on 199 - 7, off their alloted overs.

In reply, Barnes started off in search of their target with a
flourish. Collier, in particular was particularly severe on any poor
deliveries. However, 4 wickets fell for just one run, as Barnes fell from
45 - 0 to 46 - 4. A fifth wicket partnership of 70, seemed to tip the
balance into the lap of Barnes. However, Van Der Zyk was then caught by
Clifford off the bowling of Wigley, as the dynamic duo broke the Barnes
promotion bid. Windsor's fielding was exceptional under pressure as
Baumgartner, Smith and Akbar all held important catches. Shields picked up
an impressive 5 - 42 as Barnes were eventually all out for 178, as they
fell short by 21 runs and Windsor celebrated their survival long into the
night.

THAMES VALLEY DIVISION 5A

WINDSOR CC 3RDXI

VS

SLOUGH 3RDXI

'Slough Sail to Victory'

Windsor 3rdXI 159 all out

Slough 3rdXI 160 - 5


Slough took their lead from the flotilla of boats sailing along the
River Thames that supplied a glorious back-drop to this TVL clash on
Saturday. They cruised to victory with 5 wickets to spare after thorougly
dominating their neighbours.
Batting first, Windsor struggled to a below par - 159 all out, in the face
of accurate bowling from Sattar. He took 6 - 57 by bowling straight and
full - a combination that was unfortunately too good for Windsor's top
order. Windsor's batting this year has been their strength but only
Richard Noble (32) showed the application required as he managed to push
Windsor over 150 mark.
Windsor welcomed Kenny Lawrence back from playing with the electrics in
Toronto and he duly made early in-roads into Slough's top order. Just as
Kenny was ready to switch off the lights on Slough's promotion charge, a
giant surge of power was released by Mohsin Khan who struck a lightning 57,
including 18 off one Lawrence over.
Anil Kakaria ensured that Slough reached their target with ease by
remaining unbeaten on 61, as Slough won to remain at the top of the
division, with two games to go.
Windsor travel to Barnes Wild Geese on Saturday, hoping to secure the
victory that will ensure their safety.

Windsor fail at final furlong

Windsor 194
OMT 162/8

Match Drawn

A dogged last wicket stand ultimately prevented Windsor 3rds from grabbing a well deserved 25 point victory over OMT on Saturday at the Home Park.

A typical Wigley decision saw Windsor batting first and once again Akbar and Ashraf were asked to provide a solid platform. This they did with consumate ease, with the two youngsters gaining confidence each week. However, in relatively easy batting conditions Windsor made difficult work of some very accurate bowling. Only 1 batsman failed to get into double figures, but alas only 2 passed the 20 mark. Batsmen have to take more responsibility for staying in and pushing the score along, eventually Windsor were bowled out for 194.

OMT's reply was slow to say the least, accurate and aggressive bowling from openers Lawrence and Endacott, kept the score in single figures until well into the 16th over. Lawrence continued to hold one end down whilst skipper Wigley rotated the other end, using Bradbury, Malik and Ashraf, keen to mix the attack up and claim easy wickets. Each bowler did their job, but despite OMT's number 11 leaving early, Windsor couldn't claim the 9th and final wicket to ensure 25 points.

Whilst Windsor cannot even buy a victory at the moment, the team are playing well and success will inevitably follow.