WINDSOR 8/205

Tied with

MAINDENHEAD & BRAY 205
Ben Harris 6/87
Rahul Mohindru 4/48

Competition leaders Maidenhead & Bray came to Windsor expecting a straight forward victory against the home side. The visitors spent alot of time surveying a wicket prior to the commencement of the match, but with Nichols winning the toss he decided to bat first.

Windsor got off to a flyer scoring 20 runs off the first 2 overs with Birch seemingly hitting everything served up to him to the boundary, as Bird continued in a similar vain. Maids made the break through though with the score on 35 as Evan got one through the gate of Birch (18). Bird (14) followed soon after to a peach of a delivery from Coyne to be bowled and leaving Windsor in a precarious state of 2/38.

Chorley and Nair rebuilt the innings, with Nair playing some lovely drives and Chorley proving able support. The pair were moving to total well onto 100 when just after the drinks break, the dangerous Valambhia deceived Chorley (26) with a slower ball to be bowled.

The probing off-spin of Bashir was introduced and Nair (36) succumb, playing back to be correctly adjudged LBW. Lines and Weston than had to start again and with the score moving to 140, Lines (22) nicked on to 1st slip off Valambhia to leave Windsor 5/140 in the 32nd over.

Just prior to the 2nd drinks break, Weston (8) popped one back to Valmbhia which he ably took and Windsor went in drinks at 6/140, with the game in the balance.

The visitors got very cocky at this stage with alot of chat suggesting that the game was already won! Malloch and Nichols fed off their oppositions arrogance as they slowly winded through the overs against fine bowling from Bashir and Valambhia.

Once the target of 45 overs was achieved the partnership let lose! It was extremely satisfying to see the visitors argue amongst themselves as the two ran quick singles creating mis-fields, were gifted over throws and generally put the side under pressure. when only 10 overs previous they where saying the game was won!!!

Nichols (28) targeted Valambhia for some boundaries but perished to Bashir in the 47th over. Lloyd came and went to Bashirs off-spin, but it was Mohindru who with the ridiculously dependable Malloch (30 no) who got the score to 205 in the 52 over.

It was a frustrating performance as everyone in the top 8 got a start without anyone really going on with it. In saying that Bashir and Valambhia bowled extremely well, and it could be argued that 205 was a good score against them.

The old ball was taken on a wicket that was turning like a top, and Harris in his 1st over had Khan out bowled leaving one that pitched a good foot outside off-stump. With that ball the 17 year old had all the Maidenhead players take notice, if they where going to get 205, they had better bat very well!

Kennedy played some solid pulls off Harris to keep the score board ticking whilst Mohindru at the other end was his metronomic self, then the 3 big wickets came and turned the game on its head. Harris had Kennedy caught at mid -on by Lines. A few overs later the youngster dealt a double blow trapping the dangerous Bashir LBW to one that spun back sharply, and two balls later Van Niekirk missed a full toss that hit him in line to follow the same fate of Bashir to leave Maidenhead 4/41.

From here new batsmen Kumar and Choudhary began a long climb back. they put away the bad balls and keep the score ticking in the midst of ultra attacking field settings and put on a partnership of 100. Then Mohindru got his first wicket of the day claiming the impressive Choudhary (77) caught Weston at shortleg, and Windsor could sense a chance.

The new ball was taken and Malloch introduced, but with the pitch being a spinners paradise he struggled to penetrate. Monhindru removed Hewitt who holed out to Harris at mid-off then Harris was re-introduced after a short rest and instantly got reward, claiming Riaz caught behind to bring up his 5th wicket.

From here Windsor put the fear of failure in front of Maidenheads inexperienced lower order, who at 7/197 could easily win the game, and should have been favourites from that position. But pressure can do funny things to players, as Nichols brought the field in around the new batsmen.
The task proved to great for skipper Coyne who flayed at a length ball from Mohindru to duly have the number 9 out bowled. Windsor where bemused by the dismissal of Valambhia who suffered an identical fate with the score on 9/201. Maidenhead where choking!

Maidenhead got to 205 and fittingly it was down to the two youngest players on the field in Kumar and Harris to decide the result. Fortunately for Windsor, Harris came out on top as he had Kumar (47) caught and bowled off his first ball of the over, to end a great knock form the youngster and spoil Maidenheads day!

Although the tie was entertaining and considering where Windsor were placed for a short time a good result, the lads where a little disappointing to only get the 15 points. Windsor had their chances in the field to wrap up the game but did not take them and against a side like Maidenhead, who are fittingly on top of the table, Windsor need to take them to get the results.

A tie in the end was a fair result, but 25 points would have been a lot more sweeter.

Ben Harris was the star for Windsor as the 17 year old took 6/87 through prodigious turn that baffled the batsmen. Mohindru was his impressive self plying away at the other end asking the batsmen plenty of questions.

This game halts a fine few weeks for Windsor where they took 65 points from the top 3 teams on the table. They are really looking to progress from here, as confidence is sky and they know if they play well they can beat any side in the competition.

WINDSOR 230 / 7 (52 overs) 25 POINTS
Bird 116

defeated

MARLOW 197 all out (43 overs) 7 POINTS by 33 runs



An unchanged Windsor travelled to play table toppers Marlow on the back of a confidence boosting win over Datchet the week before.

On arrival the batsmen were delighted to see what would have to have been one of the best batting decks in the league. The skipper Wes Nichols was fortunate enough to win the toss and had no hesitation in batting first.

Oliver Birch and Craig Bird opened the batting for Windsor as Birch fell in just the 3rd over of the day for 4 after missing a straight one from Hampton.

Andy Chorley then joined Bird and looked in particularly good knick after dispatching a number of short balls to the midwicket boundary, however he tried one pull shot too many and holed out to square leg with the score on 32.

Youngster Vishal Nair joined Bird in the middle with the game slightly favouring the home side. What followed was hopefully a sign of things to come from the immensely talented Nair as he played a magnificent supporting role in a 72 run stand with Bird.

The runs continued to flow for Windsor following the departure of Nair, with both Bird and Mark Lines finding the boundary on regular occasions. Bird became the 3rd Windsorian this season to pass 3 figures for the 1st XI. It was a sublime knock from the balding batting bastion and really set up Windsor lower order to a tea!

When Lines departed for 26 Windsor were very well placed at 181 for 4. Bird, Nichols and Weston all perished in the final overs in search of additional runs and the innings closed at 230 for 7 from the allotted 52 overs with Malloch on 21 not out.

Windsor were happy to have obtained their early goal of reaching 200 and 10 batting points. The innings was built around a faultless century from their senior batsman who is scoring runs at will at the moment. What was also very encouraging is that Windsor were able to progress from 32 for 2 to 181 for 4 with 2 of its most talented juniors at the crease.

Windsor took to the field aware that they had a competitive but by no means unassailable total to defend. The message from skipper Nichols was to go out and enjoy the 2nd half of the game with a nothing-to-lose approach.

In spite of being felled by some over vigorous encouragement from Ben Harris, Nichols was able to take the new ball. To Windsor’s delight the first ball found the outside edge of Trotter’s bat and flew to the waiting slips cordon who showed great teamwork by both handling the ball before Bevan Malloch clung on to a very difficult chance, it was just the start Windsor wanted.

Hudson followed his team mate back to the pavilion shortly after, LBW to a very quick delivery from Malloch. Malloch who is in rare form with the ball has been desperately unlucky in recent weeks, and a big haul must be just around the corner for him. Paskins then showed everyone at the picturesque Marlow ground why he is held in such high regard as he as he cut his way to 44.

Harris was thrown the ball by Nichols in an attempt to dislodge the free scoring Marlow batsmen who had pushed the score along to 60 for 2. Thanks to some fine bowling, shrewd field placings and sharp catching, Harris removed both Aslam caught by Chorley at short-leg and Paskins caught by Weston at short cover. Harris then had Barton stumped attempting a swipe that Lloyd duly removed the bails too and the game had well and truly turned in Windsor’s favour.

The fall of wickets brought Marlow’s vocal and talented overseas player Dixon to the crease. He looked to take the game back from Windsor striking a number of boundaries and the occasional 6. Brinkford, who had joined Dixon at the crease following the fall of the 5th wicket provided good support until hitting a rank full toss straight from Lines’ first ball straight to Harris who took a very well judged catch just a few centimetres inside the midwicket boundary.

Much to the joy of the gathering home crowd Dixon continued to take to the Windsor attack but he was running out of partners as Hampton and Line were both dismissed cheaply. Nichols brought himself back on to bowl and both finished the game and silenced the crowd by removing O’Tolle’s off stump… Another 25 points for Windsor!!!

Craig Bird, cheered on by his young family, was undoubtedly the player of the match with his stylish 116. However the contribution of Windsor’s younger brigade must not go unnoticed. It was especially pleasing to see Ben Harris remove 2 set batsman with quality off-spin bowling, and Nair and Lines getting starts in Windsors middle order. These guys are now not just in the team on ability or potential, they are winning games for the club.

Although Nichols (3/32) got the figures it was Harris (3/47) whose spell really turned the game. Mohindru was again his metronomic best as Mallochs figures continue to contradict his impressive form.

Next week Windsor host Maidenhead & Bray, whom have replaced Marlow at the top of the Division 2A table. This represents the 3rd consecutive game against a top 3 side harbouring hopes of promotion to Division 1. The team has the form, ability and confidence to once again put a large dent these hopes and perhaps pull –off a third victory on the trot.

WINDSOR 119 all out (41 overs) 25 POINTS
Bird 53

defeated

DATCHET 104 all out (39.1 overs) 6 POINTS
Mohindru 5-6 (7 overs)
Nichols 4/37 (20 overs)

After a difficult week which included Windsor overseas having to pull out at the 11th hour, and massive amounts of rain fall upon Home Park on Wednesday and Friday night, Windsor played host to local rivals Datchet.

With Windsor tormented by unavailability it was a distinctly youthful look which took the field with Mark Lines coming back into the side and 17 year old Vishal Nair making his debut.

Datchet won the toss and inserted Windsor on a pitch which 18 hours before had been under an inch of water. The staff at Waterer’s led by Steve pulled out the stops on the morning of the game to produce a wicket that resulted great contest that tested the technique and nerve of both sides.

Windsor started quickly with openers Bird and Birch putting on 18 for the first wicket before Birch played down the wrong line of a straight one from James Lambert and was bowled for 14.

Chorley joined Bird and the pair moved the score on to a respectable 48 when in the 13th over Chorley edged one to the keeper off Lambert for 11. This brought Vishal Nair to the crease. Nair looked very comfortable as he and the balding stalwart Bird, moved the score on to 91 in a manner which was to contrast with the remainder of proceedings for the day. Bird went past 50 for the second game in succession and was unfortunate to be run out for an impressive 53.

With the wicket drying A. Dick changed ends and was replaced by J. Dick and the brothers Dick bowled well in tandem slowing the run rate and grabbing the wickets of Lines and Nair before the score had reached 100.

On a pitch that was now really testing the technique of the batsmen against a turning and seaming ball Windsor proceeded to subside to 119 all out in the 41st over with Andy Dick finishing with yet another 5 wicket haul against Windsor in a great performance.

With game on fast forward the Umpires decided that Datchet would face 10 overs before tea was taken. Windsor opted for the old ball and an ultra attacking field and were soon amongst the wickets as Malloch had Tilly caught at gully by Ben Harris in the second over bringing Tim Aldis to the crease.

Aldis and George moved the score on until just before tea when Wes Nichols had George caught at 1st slip by Bevan Malloch. Tea was taken with the game in the balance with Datchet at 30 for 2.

Upon the resumption Windsor kept applying the pressure. Ben Harris backed up by some great fielding particularly from the 'Ginger Ninja' Ollie Birch, bowled with great control and a huge amount of skill at the river end and was very unfortunate to remain wicket less.

There are not many 17 year old finger spinners who can contain players of the calibre of Tim Aldiss, his performance went a massive way to achieving Windsor the result.

With seven wickets still needed and Oram and Aldis beginning to look comfortable Nichols decided to take the new ball and soon after had Oram LBW leaving Datchet requiring 39 runs with 6 wickets remaining. Rahul Mohindru replaced Harris. And he and Nichols ratcheted up the pressure.

With Aldis looking on forlornly on at the other end, Mohindru tore through the remainder of the Datchet order. Backed up by his close fielders Weston, Lines at short leg and silly point respectively he exploited the turning track to have three batsmen caught in close off sharp bat pad chances as Datchet froze and were reduced to 101 for 9.

With no partners remaining it really was Tim Aldis versus Windsor. Realising that it was probably just a matter of time before Dick was dismissed at the other end, Aldis tried to attack Mohindru. But it was an ask too far. Mohindru saw Aldis coming as he advanced down the track and dragged the ball a little shorter resulting in Aldis skying the ball to deep square leg when Lines took a great catch.

Aldis finished on 60 out of 104 all out in a masterclass of batting and was the only Datchet batsman to really look to trouble Windsor on a very difficult wicket for batting. But Aldiss could not do it all himself as Windsor were very worthy winners.

It was an exceptional bowling and fielding display by Windsor who picked up their first 25 point win of the season lifting them to fifth in the table. Ben Harris was an unsung hero as he spoilt any chance Datchet had of rattling through in the early overs of the contest, which set things up superbly for the old stager Mohindru, who with the new ball showed all the guile and skill that has claimed him 300+ wickets for the club...

Wayne Lloyd in his first 1st XI game in 15 years was terrific as he gloved everything up to high standard, an amazing on a mine feild wicket, he did not let one bye through either, a great performance.

What was also nice to see was the Windsor colts starting to come though the sides ranks. Nair, Harris and Lines are all local juniors and under 18! It truly speaks wonders for Windsor colts system and the fact that these lads at such a young age can contribute in the 1st team. This coupled with more promising U/20 local juniors in the 2nd XI in Hartridge, Malik, Chana, Kellard and Riches makes the club look in very safe hands! Its up to these lads to take their chances when they come, something the Nairs, Maliks and Harris of the club seem to be doing well!

Next week sees Windsor travel to competition leaders Marlow. Windsor must bot get carried away with the win if they are to be competitive over there. With overseas DuPreez finally available pressure will be on for the lads to keep contributing to the side movement up the ladder

WINDSOR 280/8 (13 Points)
Gould 130

drew with

BURNHAM 212/7 (9 Points)
Nichols 5/81

On the back of 20 points last week, Windsor travelled to Burnham expecting another tough encounter that seems to bely meetings between the 2 clubs.

With the weather alternating between glorious sunshine and cloudy overcast, Windsor won the toss and decided to have a bat.

Windsor where extremely lucky to have the services of former colt Michael Gould to open the batting, and what he shown was a masterclass on the discipline as he dissected all the offerings the hapless Burnham!

Gould flayed all bowling around the ground, and with Birch tormented the Burnham in-field with incisive running between the wickets as they posted the first 50 in 7 overs.

The 100 was up after 19 overs as Gould had soared to 70 and Birch provided sublime support. The spinners where introduced and both openers continued to plunder the attack and by drinks, Gould had his 100, out of a total of 150!

After the break Birch departed with his score on 43, and Chorley continued the great work, taking advantage of a fast outfield. In what was becoming a bowler friendly wicket, Burnham off spinner Bashir, started to bowl a lovely spell, ripping the ball square at times to slow the Windsor run rate.

Gould was finally removed in the 30th for 130, as Millman and Chorley began to grow the total to 200+

Chorley (33) fell after a real gutsy innings that helped bind the middle order together. Huggins came and went as Nichols who with Millman looked to push the total beyond Burnhams reach.

Some wonderful bowling from Burnham really halted the progress of Windsor as Millman (24) fell with Murray soon after, leaving Nichols and Malloch to close the innings.

Both Bats struggled to emulate the free flowing style exhibited by Gould, in the face of some useful bowling but managed to tick the score up to 270 before Nichols (15) was caught behind in the last over as Windsor after 52 settled for 280/8.

The innings was built around the magnificent Gould as he was supported by handy contributions from Birch, Chorley and Millman.

Windsor thought that considering how difficult conditions where in the last few overs, 48 overs would be enough to have a crack at 25 points. The old ball was taken as Windsor thought to make early inroads but Burnham had other ideas as opener Rehman went berserk hitting all bowling to all parts of the ground.

After 6 overs with the old rock, the new one was called as Rehman continued with the juggernaut hitting skipper Nichols for 16 runs off one over! It was Malloch at the other end, who done a superb job pushing into a strong breeze, who picked up the first wicket leaving Burnham on track at 1/70 after 17 overs...

With Rehamn sprinting to 50, spin was re-introduced as Mohindru kept the runs down and the pressure mounting. Malloch was then swapped around with Nichols, who came in off a short run into the wind, and had immediate success claiming Rehman caught Gould at point for 70.

The next 10 overs were vital for Windsor as they looked to keep the runs down so they could launch an all out assault later in the innings. Nichols claimed 2 more wickets to leave Burnham 4/170 after 30 overs, as both new batsmen looked uncomfortable but still ticked the runs over.

Mohindru at the other end bowled without luck and grouped quite a few maidens together, as Nichols probed with the ball swinging.

With 10 overs remaining and 100 runs required Windsor set ultra attacking fields, with men crowding the bat everywhere and youngster Harris had the chance to be a hero! He replaced the ever reliable Mohindru at one end as he tried to extract the same rip that Bashir did earlier for Burnham.

However it was the ridiculously under-rated leg spin of Nichols who claimed the first break through getting Khan caught at first slip by Gould to push Burnham 5 down with 7 overs remaining.

Windsor gave away the bonus points to Burnham for scoring 200, as they looked to chip away at the order. Harris who bowled well without reward was replaced by Gould who claimed the vital wicket of Bashir (51) caught and bowled.

Nichols then claimed his 5th wicket as Khan mis-read a topspinner to be given LBW but time had run out for Windsor as Burnham comfortably saw out the remaining time to finish at 212/7.

In the end a draw was a fair result, Windsor certainly had the better of the game, and the 13 points to 9 received reflect this, but Burnham did well to starve them out.

Had Windsor not been 2nd last and Burnham 3rd last (With 5 points between them), Windsor could have been able to declare earlier and attack a little earlier in the innings with the ball.

But seeing the table is so close and congested, at this time of the season, Windsor need to be very mindful of what points that can hand out to opposition sides. they have already made massive blunders against Beaconsfeild and Basingstoke gifting them 25 points, something they don't want to do again.

Fingers crossed as the season progresses and Windsors table position improves, they will be able to play with a little more attacking flair that they would prefer. But at the moment it is 'horses for courses' attitude that needs to be fostered as they look to improve their standing.

Next week Windsor play host to local rivals Datchet. It will be a massive test for the home side as the 1st team is swamped with unavailability that they can really not afford against one of the best teams in the comp. Hopefully they can defy the odds and turn the tables as Datchet have certainly had the wood over the side in the past.

WINDSOR 8/188 (20 Points)
C Bird 56

defeated

FINCHAMPSTEAD (12 Points)

On the back of an awful batting display the previous game. Windsor brought a new look side into their encounter with Finchampstead. Along with Bird being recalled instantly into the side, Huggins and Murray were selected on the back of some quality performance in the 2nd XI.

A pristine deck was prepared for the game which both batsmen agreed, would be perfect for batting. Unfortunately Windsor lost the toss and Finchampsted where about to get the first use.

Windsor started very well with the ball, as has been the case in the last few weeks. Nichols picked up 2 in his 2nd over and Malloch got another in his 3rd to leave the visitors 3/3 after 6!

When Malloch, who was bowling some with some sublime rhythm got an off-cutter to jag back, he claimed his 2nd wicket and Windsor with their tails up looked to progress.

The Finch batsmen in Brown and James played a steady rearguard as they limped the total to 4/40 after 20 overs. both survived a spirited opening spell as Bevan probed with some attacking bowling and Nichols served up some very viscous bouncers that had both bats on the back foot.

As James started to play some shots he got a few chanced as he was dropped of Nichols at 2nd slip and some others chances fell short. It was Malloch who got his 3rd wicket as James played a shot too many to be caught by Murray on debut.

Brown played a good skipper knock as he has some fortune go his way with a few edges landing between fielders. He was dropped on 30 at mid-off and from here looked to settle as after 32 overs, the off spin of Harris was introduced and the lack of pace was too his liking as he brought up his 50.

As Nichols began to tire, the veteran Mohindru was introduced and both off-spinners begum to wear the Finch side down. It was Harris who got the break through as Murray accepted his 2nd catch at deep Square. From here wickets fell regularly as Windsor heaped pressure on the tail to restrict the visitors to 8/183

It was a fine performance based upon the continued great form of Nichols (2/44) and Malloch (3/55) , the guile of Mohindru (2/33) and the exhuberance of Harris (2/55), who incidentally took a spectacular catch of his spin twins bowling.

The consensus was that 183 was not enough and Windsor started the chase in style. birch timed some great shots but fell with the score on 40 to a mistimed sweep, but with Bird at the other end flaying the ball to all parts and Chorley picking up his fine form the score shifted to 1/99 until Bird after scoring his 50 was caught in front LBW.

Nichols and Millman fell for ducks before Chorley edged one to 14 year old keeper Lincoln (who is destined for a fine career), to push the game back in Finchs' favour at 5/135.

Some nervous overs ticked away as some excessive appealing from the Finch side showed their enthusiasm for the points. Just as Windsor looked to have the game in hand, Huggins departed on 22 to a shot he would rather forget, to once again swing the game and leave Windsor at 6/160.

As the game ebb & flowed, Murray was a constant as he picked up singles, and rotated the strike , with usual lower order saviour Malloch and once again the game seemed to move back into the home sides grasp.

That was until both Murray and Malloch departed in the space of 5 overs and with Windsor at 8/168, the game was anyones!

But it was the spin twins in Mohindru and Harris who showed nerves of steal to pull the game into Windsors grasp with fine cameos and remain not out as Windsor claimed their 2nd win of the season.

It was a descent performance in light of the efforts from the week previous. The selections of Bird, Huggins and Murray where substantiated as they accounted for half the home sides runs scored.

In saying that Windsor were very lucky, as had it not been for the 20 opposition byes let through during the course of the innings, the result could have been a bit different. In actual fact if Windsor had held all the chances offered they probably would have been chasing a target more like 150.

Some extra fielding drills will be offered during the week!

Windsor are still 2nd last on the table and with the side travelling to fellow cellar dwellers Burnham this Saturday, a win for either side will help alieviate any pressure heading into the 2nd half of the season.