2nds Clinch Third Place

For the final game of the league season Windsor travelled away to Farnham Common. On a flat track Windsor won the toss and decided to Bat.

Although Farnham Common bowled well to start with, Noble and Van Den Berg looked in complete control on a friendly batting deck, and quickly guided the score to 36 until Noble knicked one to the keeper. Harris and Van Den Berg continued where Windsor had left off before the wicket and put on 36 for the next wicket. Malik quickly followed Van den Berg back to the club house, after being run out for a duck. Windsor then looked like missing out on a big score on a very good batting deck but an outstanding partnership of 77 from Harris and Dass consolidated the innings. With Harris scoring his first half century for the 2XI, but he was unfortunately dismissed LBW for 58. Another run out saw Davis return to the pavilion very quickly but a strong partnership of 88 between Das and George saw Windsor get to 260, before Das was unfortunately bowled on 84 trying to get to his century with 12 balls to go.

Windsor got off to a strong start with the ball and a wicket a piece from Chambers and Hill quickly reduced Farnham Common to 25 for 2. Farnham Common battled hard from this position and a good partnership of 130 moved the score to 155, before Davis took a vital wicket with an off cutter to break the partnership. The door had been opened and Windsor burst through with Mallard leading the way with 5 wickets and Chambers taking an important further two wickets to win the game and bowl Farnham Common out for 236 with 3 over’s to spare.

With Wycombe Dragon losing, the 25points meant that Windsor jumped above them to snatch a strong 3rd position finish in the league. It was disappointing to miss out on promotion based on the teams second half performance with only one loss in the last 10 games, but Windsor need to work hard on consistency, especially with the bat next season to try and make up for the heartache this season and push for promotion again.

A special mention goes to Gary and Aly who have umpired and scored for us all season, and their help is much appreciated from the whole team for making life a lot easier for everybody on match day.

Windsor Wobble Again!

Windsor were at home for their final game of the season at Home Park to Chesham. As seemed to be the way with most of the games in August this season, it was another green track and over cast skies! Windsor won the toss and with the conditions condusive to fielding Windsor decided to have a bowl.

Harris and Hill took the new ball and bowled an excellent line and length to restrict Chesham’s scoring. They also picked up a wicket a piece and Chesham were quickly reduced to 20-2. From there Chesham built a strong partnership of 90 for the third wicket, which was eventually broken by a very good leg side stumping by Care off Kellard. Chesham were now 110-3 and were in a good position to build a strong lead but a second spell from Harris and some good bowling from Kellard helped to restrict the scoring as well as picking up regular wickets. A final burst from Hill from the River End picked up the last couple of wickets and Chesham were finally all out in the last over for 173. Kellard and Harris were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply Windsor opened up with Van Den Berg and Noble, who batted well in tough conditions for an opening stand of 48. As has often been the case this season, Windsor lost another couple of wickets very quickly and were reduced to 60-3, from there Malik and Lines batted well to bring the total close to a 100, but unfortunately Malik was caught on the boundary going for a big hit. Hodgson coming in at 7 and Lines batted superbly to get Windsor to a position of needing 25 from the last 5 over’s, but a flurry of wickets with people going for big hits left Windsor just short finishing on 168-9.

It was brave chase from Windsor in difficult conditions, but Chesham bowled very well over the last 5 over’s to get the draw. With the final game of the season this weekend away to Farnham Common, Windsor still stand a chance of finishing in a very respectable third position if they can produce a good performance to win this Saturday.

Dragons escape Slaying

Windsor were at home to Wycombe Dragons on Saturday with Wycombe situated 3rd in the table and Windsor 4th, it was a must win game for both teams to stay in the hunt for promotion. Windsor won the toss and with overcast skies, a green deck and the promise of rain, Windsor opted to field first.

We opened the bowling with Chambers and Peacock who bowled superbly and with some good catches by Lines, Care and Hill, the choice to field first proved to be the right decision with Wycombe quickly reduced to 25 for 5. With Chambers 7 over’s complete, Hill came on and took another wicket to reduce Wycombe to 40 for 6 and that’s when the heavens opened. Unfortunately the rain persisted for an hour and 50 minutes of the maximum 2 hour rain delay. With 10 minutes to go the rain ceased but the square was underwater and the game was unfortunately abandoned.

This was an extremely disappointing end to the game with Windsor in such a strong position. Unfortunately the weather was not so bad in other places and both BA and Chenies played and won, which sadly puts our hopes of promotion out of the window for this season. Windsor can only go into the last two weeks to look to secure third which would still be a very good achievement with the poor run of results we had midway through the season. We have had a really strong run since the end of June and it would be good to continue this with two more victories against Chesham and Farnham Common.

Pace Pair Devastate OMT

Windsor travelled away this week to play against OMT on their new ground. We were all really impressed with the new facilities and at first glance the track looked like a batting paradise. On losing the toss and being put into bat we were not too concerned, and were looking forward to batting on what appeared to be a hard deck. 47 over’s later and after being bowled out for 138 we thought that our first opinion of the track may not have been accurate with the only batsmen who could really hold their head up being Mark Lines with a knock of 30.

After tea we knew we needed to make inroads into the OMT batting line up quickly, and an early wicket a piece from Peacock and Chambers reduced OMT to 15 for 2, from their OMT worked hard to get themselves back into the game and managed to have a couple of small partnerships to take the score to 80 for 4. From there we knew we were facing an uphill battle but with Kurth plugging away from the one end, and the pace combination from the other end of Peacock and Chambers, we started to pick up a couple of wickets, which then turned into a landslide of wickets and in the end we managed to bowl out OMT for 104. Chambers bowled superbly and took a 5 wicket haul, and was very well supported with Peacock taking 3 wickets and Kurth taking the remaining 2.

It was a supreme effort in the field to come back and win the game, and a lot of credit must be given to the bowlers for their performance to turn the game around. We also fielded very well and held the big chances to make sure that we took an unlikely victory. We need to work hard on our batting this week and our concentration, to make sure that we continue this good run in the second half of this season and keep putting pressure on the teams above us to cling to an outside hope of a spot in the top two.

Lower Order Come to the Party

Windsor 2XI vs Chenies and Latimer

After the disappointment of last week against BA, Windsor needed to respond this weekend against Chenies & Latimer who were flying high in second place in the table. Windsor won the toss and with overcast conditions and a slightly green track Windsor chose to field.

Windsor had the rapid new ball bowlers of Chambers and Peacock who bowled superbly with the new ball picking up a couple of wickets and keeping the scoring rate very low from Chenies. Chambers bowled his allotted 7 over’s and was replaced by Hill who kept up the pressure on the Chenies batsmen and at the halfway point they were about 70 for 3. From this restricted position Chenies batted very well and reached 210 for 6 from their 52 over’s.

In reply Windsor got off to a shaky start with Noble dismissed by a good ball early on in the innings. Windsor had a solid second wicket stand of 50 to move the score along with both Davis and Bird looking very fluent. As has often been the case this season with a mixture of good balls and poor shot selection Windsor were reduced from a solid position to 100 for 6. From this position Windsor were looking in a lot of trouble but following on from their solid partnership last week Care and Hill piled on the runs with Hill scoring 36 and Care scoring a superb 54 to bring Windsor in to contention. Their unfortunate dismissals brought Peacock and Chambers to the wicket who with some more classic stroke making got Windsor over the line with 2 overs to spare.

It was a fantastic victory from the position we were in and all credit must go to the lower order for their brilliant effort with the bat to create a memorable victory for Windsor.

Windsor Stumble at BA

On the back of several impressive performances and a good run of results for Windsor, we travelled away to BA this weekend.

Windsor won the toss and chose to bat. Openers Noble and Bird got Windsor off to a fine start with a partnership of 40, with Bird looking in particularly impressive form. Noble was finally dismissed for the first time in the return leg of fixtures, but Bird continued to bat well and was ably supported by both Davis and Malik for the second and third wicket respectively. Bird was finally out for an impressive 60. Windsor were set to really kick on and build a very big total, but with a flurry of wickets Windsor were quickly reduced to 140 for 8. Hill and Care then came to the wicket and batted superbly for a 50 partnership which enabled Windsor to finish on 196 for 9.

After the usual great BA tea, Windsor took to the field to attempt to bowl BA out. A couple of quick wickets had BA 60 for 2 but from there Windsor let the game slip with some poor fielding to allow BA to get comfortably home for 5 wickets down. With some more luck with umpiring decisions and some better fielding the game could of been a lot tighter but unfortunately it was not meant to be and BA ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Windsor Victory over Ruislip

Windsor 2XI played at home to Ruislip 1XI. Windsor lossed the toss and were surprised to find that Ruislip fancied a bat on a damp track in over cast conditions. This decision was very costly with Ruislip quickly reduced to 15 for 4 after about 10 over’s due to some very good bowling by Allen-Turner and Bean. Although Ruislip dug in after this poor start they were eventually bowled out for 104. With Allen Turner being the pick of the bowlers with 5 wickets.

In reply Windsor got off to a steady start with Bird and Noble putting on 30 for the first wicket. Davis then came to the wicket and played some elegant strokes before being dismissed. This was an important partnership for Windsor and brought what could of been a tricky target into sight. Bousfield and Noble then completed the victory with some strong drives from Bousfield to see Windsor finish on 107 and seal a comprehensive 8 wicket victory.

Catches Win Matches!

Batting star Charles McInerny helped to bring home crucial points to Windsor!

Windsor 2nd XI 161 for 9 off 52 Overs (McInnery 39, Malik 36)
Harefield 2nd XI 117 for 9 off 48 Overs (Mohindru 4 for 25)

Last Saturday saw the much anticipated top of the table clash between Harefield 2's and Windsor 2's at The Home Park. After the first game was a wash-out and with little separating them in the league all season, the match proved to as hard fought as was expected. Upon winning the toss, Windsor chose to bat first in an attempt to establish a big score from which to attack for maximum points.

Windsor's innings started positively and despite the early loss of Chana, McInerny and Davis set about establishing what would surprisingly become the largest partnership of the day. With the score on 74 for 1 off 24 overs, Windsor seemed well set to post a big first innings score. Sadly with the loss of Davis (22) and McInerny (39) in the same over, Windsor quickly lost there way and through a combination of poor batting and running between the wickets, quickly fell to 93 for 5. Malik and Care set about eeking out valuable runs, with Malik in particular playing positive on a what was fast becoming a tough turning wicket. Unfortunately a second run out put paid to the Malik (36) innings and Windsor struggled to a total of 161 for 9 off their 52 overs.

Bowling and fielding would then become the key to Windsor turning this game to their favour, but sadly after performing superbly all season, it appeared that Windsor had saved all their dropped catches for one day. First of all Windsor managed to drop the same Harefield opening batsmen 4 times in 5 overs, but managed to maintain a low run-rate as the visitors struggled to get the innings going. With the old ball and on a turning wicket, Windsor spinners Kellard and Mohindru bowled tightly and saw their pressure pay off as they removed the division's top batsman (McLeod) to a sharp catch by Borland off Mohindru. Sadly the drops continued and despite still conceding few runs, Windsor seemed determined not to push on and win the game. Wickets then suddenly came in clusters as Thompson first caught two catches and then took two wickets with the ball to put Windsor firmly on the winning trail. With Mohindru continuing to whirl away at the River End, the new ball was given to Borland at the Castle End and with immediate affect took two wickets in an over with his raw pace. Winsdor had 18 balls to take two wickets, but only managed to pick up one of the last ball (which in turn earned an extra point). The game finished as a draw as Harefield reached 118 for 9 off their 48 overs. Mohindru was the pick of the Windsor bowlers with 4 for 25 from 24 overs.

Whilst the result was a stalemate, Windsor had all the chances to win the game and should have taken the opportunities that were available to firmly take control of the division. The batting failed to take a grip on the game when in a a strong position, all the drop catches (9 in all) meant that the bowlers created twice as many chances than they needed to win the game. With five games left, the top of Division 4A is still tight and leaves Windsor in 2nd, 13 points from the top, but only 12 points from 3rd. With a trip to Purley this Saturday, Windsor need to get back to winning ways.

Windsor double-up Green

A first at Windsor CC as Harmy is lost for words!

Stoke Green 95 All Out from 34.5 Overs
Windsor 2nds 97 for 1 from 23.1 Overs (Chana 46*; Davis 39*)

Returning to The Home Park, Windsor 2nd team welcomed the visit of Stoke Green for what would become a repeat of the previous game from earlier in the season. Stoke Green skipper Bourne won the toss and chose to bat first on what looked a good Windsor wicket.

Windsor opening bowlers Borland and Hartridge immediately hit their strides, with Green finsing themselves 6 for 3 before the 8th over was completed. In a similar vein to the first match, the sheer pace and prescence of the Windsor seamers was too much for Green to cope with and when Hartridge took his 3rd wicket of the day (and 10th against Stoke Green this season) in the 21st over, the visitors were 6 down for under 50 and in trouble. The variation of Kellard and Thompson put paid to the rest of the Green batting order and they soon fell to 95 All Out off just 34.5 overs. Wickets were shared between all the bowlers, with Hartridge and Kellard finishing with 3, Borland and Thompson finished with 2 respectively.

Windsor's reply started against the old ball and spin. Both McInerny and Chana started positively, but th former fell to a poor attempt to pull in the 8th over. Davis joined Chana and set about pusihing for victory. Under some intense pressure from Stoke Green, the Windsor pair would bat well together and cruised to victory in the 24th over. Chana finished 46 not out and Davis 39 not out.

Another speedy game from Windsor as managed to complete two victories over their local rivals in the league this season in less than 100 overs. With Harefield to follow in an crucial top of the table clash, Windsor look to push on in an effort to gain promotion.

Chambers strikes with 6

Teen angst despite 6 wickets!

Wycombe Dragons 112 All Out off 41 Overs (Chambers 6 for 23)

Windsor 2nds 113 for 6 off 40 Overs

Windsor draw little reward all square

Windsor 2nds 143 All Out off 52 Overs
Farnham Royal 2nds 143 for 8 (P. Davis 51) off 48 Overs

Windsor in unison as BA is grounded

Windsor's Chris Kellard is stumped when asked

to describe his 5 for 31

British Airways 111 All Out; 36.1 Overs (Kellard 5 for 31)

Windsor 2's 114 for 3, 26 Overs

Returning to Home Park for the first of four games in five weeks, Windsor’s 2nd team hosted British Airways in a top 3 clash in Thames Valley Division 4a. With a win crucial to their title aspirations, Windsor immediately go on the offensive and asked British Airways to bat first, with the hope to putting immediate pressure on their top order.

Windsor’s young opening bowlers were immediately on the spot with Chambers and Thompson (16 and 18 respectively) bowling tight pressured lines. This would have an immediate effect on the normally free scoring BA openers as the dangerous Khan was dismissed for just 2, soon followed by Wahad without scoring. Fellow opener Virdee played within himself as he tried to consolidate the innings with Ambrose, but he too would have a rush of blood and chipped a simple catch to Baumgartner at gully. Ambrose continued to look to take the attack to the bowling immediately attack Kellard as he came into the attack with two fours in the first over, but it was Kellard who would finish the over on top as he bowled the BA keeper around his legs. Wickets then continued to fall to some aggressive shots as BA could not find away to get on top of the Windsor bowling and their imperious fielding. Malik’s fantastic run-out typified the Windsor effort in the field as every half chance was taken and BA would eventually succumb in the 37th over for just 111. Kellard was the pick of the Windsor bowlers with a well deserved 5 for 31, but this was ably support by Chambers with 3 wickets and Thompson with 1.

In reply, with Windsor needing to score 112 to win in 63 overs, BA immediately looked to go on the offensive and put pressure on the Windsor top order. This would seem to be working as first Baumgartner and then Chana fell before the score reached 30. With BA sensing blood, it was down to captain (Davis) and vice-captain (Malik) to sail the Windsor innings towards victory. With the BA bowlers striving for extra pace, the Windsor pair batted well together to blunt the bowling and take Windsor closer to the target. When Davis fell for 36, with the score on 80, Lines joined Malik and the new pair continued in positive fashion as Windsor sailed home to a 7 wicket win.

With this match being the half way stage for the league season, the 17 point difference between the sides in Division 4a before the game would double as a result of the match. After a successful start to the season now complete, Windsor 2’s will look to continue the championship and promotion push this week with Farnham Royal 2’s visit to Home Park.

Back in the Groove

Princes Risborough 154 for 9; 52 Overs (Awan 4 for 21, Kellard 3 for 40)
Windsor 2's 156 for 2; 30.1 Overs (Davis 81*, Chana 45)

After a tough loss the previous week, Windsor 2's returned to league action with a trip to league new-boys Princes Risborough. Under glorious skies and on a picturesque ground, skipper Davis loss the toss and was asked to bowl first.

Princes got off to a fantastic start as Witney and Brooker took advantage of some loose bowling and the fast outfield. Princes reached 50 without loss after the 14th over. A double change in bowling paid dividends for Windsor as first Awan and then Kellard made inroads into the Princes order. Then followed a period attritional cricket from Windsor as they completely starved Princes of runs, cutting the run rate to under 2 an over for the next 20 overs. Awan took 3 wickets for under 10 runs over a period of 7 overs and took the game away from the home side. Chambers returned to the attack in place of Awan and his extra pace paid dividends as he too took two wickets. Despite a late flurry from the Princes tail, Windsor remained on top and restricted the home side to just 154 off their 52 overs.

Windsor's reply got off to a poor start as Baumgartner found the leading edge trying to force the old ball to leg and was caught at mid wicket. Davis joined Chana and the pair dug in as they tried to build a partnership. With both surviving sharp chances, a flurry of boundaries saw the innings suddenly create impetuous and Windsor began to charge towards the target. With the new ball taken in an attempt to change the game, it only worked in Windsor's favour as Chana and Davis found form with the harder ball. Only a cruel deflection by the bowler from a Davis straight drive would claim Chana's wicket, as he was run out at the bowlers end after a fine 80 run partnership. Malik joined the skipper and the pair continued to drive Windsor home. Davis passed fifty and did not look back as Windsor ran to victory in the 31st over, claiming a fine 8 wicket win.

It was good to return to winning ways for Windsor 2's, especially as the teams around them in the table also won. This weekend sees the visit of BA to Home Park for a crucial clash between 1st and 3rd. Windsor will need to be on top form for them to continue on the winning trail.

Windsor fall to first loss

Windsor 2's 165 for 9; 52 Overs
Chesham 2's 167 for 5; 42 Overs (M. Asif 74*)

With a return to Home Park after a fruitful away day at Ruislip the week before, Windsor 2's welcomed Chesham 2's in their Thames Valley Cricket League match on Saturday. Upon winning the toss, Windsor chose to bat on what looked to be a good wicket.

Windsor's inning began in disastrous fashion as after a brief cameo from Jordan, Windsor found themselves 18 for 3 and then 40 for 4 within in the first 15 overs. With 3 of the top 4 removed lbw, Windsor were backs against the wall as Charters and Thompson looked to rebuild the innings. They managed to rebuild to some degree, until Thompson fell with the score on 95. With Charters departing shortly after for a well crafted 46, Windsor were again in deep trouble. Only another belligerent knock from Care saw Winsdor to a respectable score of 165 for 9 off 52 overs. Care was not out at the close on 39. Rance was the pick of the Chesham bowlers with 4 wickets.

Chesham's reply started slowly as Hill and Chambers exerted pressure on the openers. When Chambers removed the first wicket to a fine low slip catch by Davis, Winsdor felt that they had a chance to pull back into the match. Asif rebuilt for Chesham, but another slip catch from Davis of Awan, created further inroads. Rance joined Asif and began to build what became a match winning partnership. Windsor continued to come close with a number of close lbw shouts, but it wasn't until the score passed 100 did they strike again, with Kellard finding the edge for a third slip catch. Two further quick wickets raised Windsor's hopes greatly, but whilst Kellard toiled at one end, Chesham found ways to create runs from the other and continued to edge closer to the total. A final flourish of catches that fell short symbolised Windsor's day as Chesham cruised to a 5 wicket victory. Skipper Asif was the fulcrum of the Chesham innings as his 74 not out saw his side home.

It was bitter loss for Windsor due to the nature of the loss, especially with some good bowling having created a chance to pull off a win in the latter stages. However, with a long season still ahead and an 8 point lead at the top of Division 4A, Windsor would need to learn quickly to return to their promotion push.

5 in a row for Windsor

Ruislip 98 All Out; 33 Overs

Windsor 2 99 for 3; 17.2 Overs



With the start of England's World Cup campaign causing early starts throughout the country's cricketing programmes, Windsor 2's saw themselves in for an early start in their fixture at Ruislip. Upon losing the toss, Windsor were asked to field first in hot, but somewhat overcast conditions.



Windsor's opening tandem of Hill and Kemp immediately put pressure on the Ruislip top order with the former nipping out opener Woon-sam in quick order. Kemp then got in othe act tempting Ruislip's own Windsor to chip a meek catch to Kellard and then Hale to a caught behind to Care. Skipper Bell joined Ingram and they began to look to rebuild the innings. However, the introduction of Kellard saw the innings change ocne again as he first picked up Bell and then Ingram for 48, with the score at 90. Awan and Kellard bowled well in tandem and made inroads into the lower order and Ruislip collapsed to just 98 all out in 33 overs. Windsor's all-round bowling was excellent with Kellard picking up 4 wickets, Awan taking 3, Kemp 2 and Hill 1.



Windsor's reply got off to a somewhat strange start, with the first ball flying past the wicketkeeper and ending up in the nearby stream and the second seeing a comedic run-out between Baumgartner and Jordan that saw the former run out. Davis joined Jordan and they both looked to be positive in order to chase down the low total. After a brisk over that saw 16 runs score, Windsor were well on top at 43 for 1 off just 8 overs. Unfortunately, Davis was dismissed to a good yorker, bringing George to the crease. Jordan continued to plough on, but he was dismissed for 31 when his bat became lodged in his pad that caused him to be bowled. McInnerny joined George and together the pair saw the team home in quick style.

With Windsor winning by 7 wickets and in just 18 overs it proved to be a profitable start to the World Cup for at least one team in white.

Cant can on his return

Purley-on-Thames 253 for 4 off 52 Overs (P Allen 72, P Woodford 66*)
Windsor 2's 256 for 3 off 46 Overs (Cant 129, Chana 49, Davis 46)



With the sun blazing down on the Home Park, Windsor CC finally returned home this week for their TVCL Division 4A game against Purley-on-Thames. On a hard wicket, Windsor were disappointed to lose the toss and thus have to bowl first.

Regular opening bowlers Hartridge and Kemp immediately set to work and would provide tight lines in the early overs, resulting in the removal of Purley opener M Schofield for 7 in the 7th over. This brought Clark to the crease to join his skipper Allen to start to swing the momentum Purley's way. The run rate began to quicken as the shine left the ball and track began to play true and only a fine ball by Awan to remove Clark for 31, slowed the pace of the innings with the score at 85 for 2. Reber continued the hard work with Allen and they soon pushed the scoring rate up further, disposing of anything offline from the Windsor bowlers. When skipper Allen was removed to sharp catch by Davis off Kellard for 72 with score at 137 for 3, Windsor sensed an opportunity. But a fine innings of 66 not out from Woodford, working well with Reber and then A Schofield, pushed Purley to an impressive total of 253 for 4 off their 52 overs. Windsor were disappointed with conceding such a total and knew they were in with a fight in order to continue their fine start to the season.

Regular Windsor opener Chana saw yet another new partner to begin the innings, this time in the form of Michael Cant, a former overseas player from 2000 who was in the area for the week. With such a huge target in their sights, the Windsor pair grafted well in the early overs to blunt the new ball and provide a solid foundation. Cant took advantage of the Purley bowlers straying, with some particularly venomous shots off his legs. The openers passed the 100 mark and left just short of 150 with 20 overs to go, a stiff ask, but possible. When Chana fell on 49, their partnership had reached 122 for the 1st wicket. Davis joined Cant with the equation set at 132 to win with 17 overs left, just under 8 an over. Cant did not lose stride with the new partner and the pair began to pick up momentum. The left-hand, right-hand combination played into Cant's hands as Purley continue to stray onto the openers legs, with one huge six clearing the boundary by 30 yards, landing in the club's new nets. Cant completed a fine 100 with an exquisite cover drive and celebrated his return to the club in style. When he finally fell for 129, after a partnership of 93 with Davis, Windsor were well set for victory, needing just over 40 off 8 overs. Davis followed shortly for 46, but it was left to vice-captain Malik and back-in-form Lines to see Windsor over the finish line in style, reaching 257 for 3 off just 46 overs.

This was a fantastic win for Windsor 2's and one that continues the fine start to the season. It was also a nice moment for a club that pride's itself on creating strong bonds with all overseas players that have played at The Home Park, always leaving the door open for a return. It was also nice for some of the younger players to put a face to the name of the owner of the club's record individual highest score (219*) and to see the quality of the player who achieved it.

This weekend, Windsor travel to Ruislip to play an important away match against the side currently lying third in the table.

Hartridge Steam Rolls Stoke Green

Stoke Green 71 All Out; 19 Overs (Hartridge 7 for 39, Kemp 3 for 36)
Windsor 74 for 2; 17.3 Overs

With the sun beating down on picturesque Slough, Windsor 2's travelled the short distance to local rivals Stoke Green on Saturday for their third league game of the season. Upon winning the toss and considering the pace attack at his disposal, Windsor skipper Davis made no hesitation in asking the home team to bat first.

Tom Hartridge and Brendon Kemp took the new ball and both immediately made inroads into the Stoke Green batting. Hartridge, in between three no-balls, manage to the edge of the Green's opening bat and saw a fine catch taken by George at slip. Kemp immediately join in on the action, removing the fellow opener in his first over to. With Windsor on top, Kemp continued to take wickets including Green skipper Bourne to a second fine catch by Care behind the stumps. With 4 down, Stoke Green started to counter attack as the dangerous Patel looked to start where he had left off last year with some lusty blows. However, with his favourite areas covered, Hartridge removed Patel to a fine leg cutter that trapped him plumb in front. After removing a wicket with his next ball and a cluster of wickets a few overs later, Hartridge missed out on his hat-trick by the narrowest of margins on two occasions. Rashid Awan replaced Kemp after his fine opening burst, but with Hartridge removing the last man in the very next over, his spell proved to be somewhat shortened. The Windsor seam attack of Hartridge and Kemp proved too much for Stoke Green as they were all out for 71 in just 19 overs. With Kemp finishing with 3 for 36 off 9 and Hartridge taking 7 for 39 off 10 overs.

Windsor's reply started off a little shakily as first Jordan went to an adventurous shot with the score of 4, then Davis went wafting outside off-stump with the score on 30. In form Chris George carried on where he left off partnering Chana to steer the ship home as Windsor cruised to an 8 wicket victory in just 17.3 overs.

A fantastic win epitomised the Windsor 2nd team's start to the season, as whilst an individual performance stood out, the team ethic and enjoyment of watching others play to their potential has seen hard work pay off so far. The team's work ethic will face another test this coming week as Windsor travels to Harefield to take on their 2nd team. With both club starting the season strongly, it will require another good performance to maintain the momentum produced so far this season.

By George they went and done it!

Windsor 2's 242 for 7; 52 Overs (George 109*)
Wycombe Dragons 179 All Out (C Kellard 6 for 40)

This weekend Windsor 2's entertained Wycombe Dragons for their first major home fixture of the season. For the second week in a row, Windsor had the good fortune to win the toss, but chose to bat on this occasion on what looked to be a belter of a season.

With 5 changes to the team from the previous week, Windsor saw a new opening batting pair of Davis and Hill. Despite a steady start, both fell in relative succession prior to the score reaching 40. With the loss of Noble, Malik and George set about re-establishing the innings, before a lazy shot put paid to Malik's innings with the score on 95. George then saw a stream of partners come and go at the other and by the time Care joined him, Windsor were 147 for 7. However, the pair set about building a strong partnership and saw Windsor past 200 and beyond. Care played in his usual dogged fashion and supported the partnership well. George on the other hand was at his fluid best and would go on to his maiden Windsor century. Windsor finished their innings on 242 for 7 after their allotted 52 overs.

The new ball was taken by Hartridge and Kemp with immediate success. Hartridge removed both openers with 3 overs and Wycombe found themselves 20 for 2. This though set up a crucial third wicket partnership from the Wycombe 3 and 4, that would prove to frustrate Windsor for some time. Despite always being behind the asking rate, the Wycombe pair played positively to put the home side on the back foot. It took some fine bowling from Kellard to remove the number 4 to a fine catch by Dineen and open an end. As Windsor chipped away for wickets with Kellard, the Wycombe no. 3 pushed on to reach a deserved century. Soon his patience failed and he too fell to Kellard. Sensing victory and having juggled the seamers from the castle end, Davis then reintroduced Hartridge to great effect. Removing the 8th and 10th wicket in the space of two overs to help Windsor to a fine victory by 63 runs. Kellard finished with 6 for 40 and Hartridge with 4 for 55.

This second win in two weeks is a fine start to the season for Windsor and marked another occasion where a poor start had been turned into a positive position. Men of the Day were Chris George for his battling 109 and Chris Kellard for his 6 for 40 after travelling down from Cardiff on emergency call-up the night before. This weekend sees a local match-up with Stoke Green for the team, with more vital league points on the line.

Baumgartner's Royal Ascension

Farnham Royal 2's 171 for 8; 52 Overs (Bucknell 41; Perkins 43; Borland 4 for 50)
Windsor 2's 172 for 2; 43.1 Overs (Baumgartner 66*; Davis 37)

Windsor 2's commenced their 2010 league campaign with a visit to Farnham Royal to take on their 2nd XI. With the weather overcast and gloomy, Windsor skipper Davis had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat on what seemed to be a hard but slightly damp wicket.

Borland and Thompson provided an all left-arm opening attack and bolwed fine lines in the opening 10 overs to restrict Royal to just 20 runs. But as the drissle began to take effect on the ball, Bucknell and Perkins (the Royal opening pair) started to play some expansive shots and scored at over 6 an over in the next 10. With score on 95 for 0 off 23, Royal looked set to post a huge total. But the introduction of spin from Chana, combined with some more defensive fields frustrated both openers and they would fall in similar fashion, caught trying to drive on the up off Borland. With Chana bowling miserly at one, Borland continued to make in-roads into the Royal batting and removed Hussain and Van As with fine yorkers. Royal were now tettering and Borland was striving for his fifth wicket to no avail. Royal batted out the final overs to reach 171 for 8 off their 52 Overs. Borland and Chana the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 4 for 55 and 3 for 21 respectively.

Windsor reply set off at great pace as Chana and Baumgartner soon reach 49 for their opening stand. Sadly a loose shot from Chana put paid to his innings, but this only brought Davis to the crease to join Baumgartner and begin an important second wicket stand. Playing the leading role, Baumgartner batted beyond his years as he showed great patience in his play whilst compiling the runs. The pair would put 104 for the second wicket and when Davis fell for 37 with the score on 153, the wiining post was in sight. Malik joined Baumgartner and the pair sailed past the winning target with over 5 overs to spare.

A good win for Windsor as the look to be a force to be reckoned with in Division 4A.

Final day exploits in vein

Windsor 2’s 302 for 3 off 39 Overs (Davis 102, Chana 93, Gould 51)
Tring 3’s 137 All Out off 43.1 Overs (Plummeridge 82, Mohindru 6 for 32)

With all still to play for in Division 4A, Windsor 2’s entered this match on a positive note knowing that a 25 point win would at least give them a chance at closing the gap on the leaders and winning promotion. Upon winning the toss, Windsor had no hesitation in deciding to bat in an attempt to set a total for which they could bowl Tring out.

Davis and Chana once again opened and were positive from the outset. The inexperienced Tring Park bowling was put to the sword as the Windsor openers were mercelous in their pursuit of runs. Davis passed 50 as Windsor passed their 100 in the 15th over. Chana was not far behind and the pair continued to put Tring to the sword. Once in the 90’s, Davis began to become somewhat unsettled, but reached his hundred in the 27th over as Windsor reached their 200 in turn. When Davis finally fell for 102 in the 28th over, Windsor were well set on 204 for 1. Gould joined Chana and together they built yet another partnership. Chana fell 7 short of a deserved hundred for 93 when his missed a straight one to be adjudged LBW. Gould and Charters carried on the momentum, with the former reaching a fine and well-deserved 50. After Gould’s departure, Malik and Charters saw Windsor past 300 and gave Davis chance to declare the innings and give Tring Park 61 overs to chase the target.

The target of 302 looked even further adrift when Tring found themselves first 4 for 3 and the 24 for 4 thanks to the spin bowling of Mohindru and Kellard. But when Plummeridge and the Tring skipper began to build a solid 5th wicket partnership, the wickets stopped and the game became a contest again. They batted for over 35 overs together and put Tring in a far more comfortable position. However, the combination of Green removing the Tring skipper and Plummeridge getting cramp, put paid to any thoughts of victory. Mohindru returned and gained the vital wicket of Plummeridge and along with Kellard, the spin twins made light work of the Tring tail. Windsor ran out comfortable winners by 165 runs.

Despite the huge win, the 25 points gained were not enough as results in the rest of the league went against Windsor. Indeed all but one of the competing sides won and as such, they finished 10 points behind the leaders, gaining back only 5 on the day. That said, it has been a good season for the 2nd XI and it has seen some good young players establish themselves into the side and develop well towards a bright future. The balance for next season will be to continue to progress the younger players and putting in a serious attempt to win the title.

Defeat of leaders opens pack

Windsor 2's 208 for 9; 52 Overs (Malik 90, Lines 39)
Wooburn Narkvoians 159 All Out (J. White 64)

After the disappointment of the week before, Windsor 2'sentered the penultimate game of the 2009 league season with nothin to lose as they new a win against the leageu leaders would completly open the innings. When Davis won the toss, he had no hesitation to bat first and look to take maximum points.

Chana and Davis opened the batting for Windsor and were immediately put udner pressure by the impressive MA Tennant's left arm seamers. Indeed, it was a fine delivery that removed Chana and continued putting pressure taking the wicket of Charters. Davis then fell to a loose shot after looking well set and Windsor were 45 for 3. Malik and Lines then began to build a match-defining partnership and upon seeing off Tennant, both began to be fluent. When Lines was finally out for 39, they had put on 109 and put Windsor in strong position. As has been the case for some time this season, this wicket was the start of a mini collapse as Windsor lost 3 wickets for 2 runs in 3 overs. Malik managed to continue the Windsor innings with his remaining partners, but when he fell for 90, Windsor was still 20 short of 200, a testing target and maximum batting points. It took the contrasting batting of Mohindru and Kellard that saw Windsor break 200 and post exactly the same mark as from earlier in the season.

The Wooburn innings start with a bang for both teams. First Greene removed the Wooburn no. 1 with the third ball and then some counter attacking lead by White, began to take the innings away from Windsor. When Davis and Mohindru combined the attack, the score was 45 for 1 off 8 overs. Both veterans began to settle, but Wooburn's White continuing to be a thorn in their side, the game was very much at a even keel. When Mohindru removed skipper Ball and Davis removed White in consecutive overs, the tide turned for Windsor. Kellard joined the attack and he and Mohindru increased the pressure on Wooburn, with the former taking the final wicket to a fine catch by Lines to win the match.

A huge 25 points for Windsor 2's now leaves them with all to play for in the last week. With 15 points between them and the top spot, only a huge win against already relegated Tring Park 3's will now do. Should Windsor pull off the win, it will be a waiting game to see how the other sides have done to find out their final fate for 2009

Windsor stumbles to defeat in crucial match

Amersham 2’s 254 for 6 off 50 Overs (Colquohoun 86, D Ward 58*)
Windsor 2’s 150 All Out off 47.1 Overs (K Condon 54)

After a busy day of 6-a-side chaos the day before, Windsor made the trek into the Chilterns to play their vital TVCL Division 4A game against Amersham 2’s knowing that a win would put them very much in contention. After the losing toss, Windsor 2’s was asked to field first on what looked to be a great batting wicket.

Windsor’s opening attack of Greene and Lazaczuk started well and maintained a good line and length putting Amersham at 30 for 2 off 12 overs, with the former taking both wickets. This however, only brought arguably the best batsman in the division to the wicket in the form of Colquohoun. Whilst his partner at the other struggled to score, Colquohoun began to build a strong innings and was severe on anything loose. Windsor toiled without success and even the introduction of Kellard and Condon could not abate the scoring. When he was finally out to Greene for 86 (with Amersham on 136 for 4 at the time), the innings was well set. Relief at removing the best batsmen sound turned to frustration as Windsor could not stem the runs on a flat pitch, with Ward scoring a fifty that combined early patience with lusty hitting. A poor last ten overs saw Amersham post an imposing 254 for 6 off 50 overs.

The old ball and a pair of spinners confronted the Windsor openers and it was to prove to be crucial as Nair, Chana and Lines all departed cheaply, bringing skipper Davis to the crease with the score at 4 for 3. Sustained resistance and some counter-attacking saw Davis and No. 3 put on 50 for the 4th wicket, but the skipper fell to a loose shot outside off. Kevin Condon entered the fray and showed the undoubted talent that he has plundering a fine 52, creating partnerships with No. 3 and Lazaczuk on the way. Sadly the early loss of wickets meant Windsor were always on the back foot and after the elder Condon departed, Windsor were batting for a draw, As often happens in these circumstances, a crazy run out saw Kellard depart. The final wicket of Greene saw Windsor stumble to a 104 run loss that greatly affects their promotion chances.

On the whole it was a disappointing performance for Windsor, but one that must be seen as a learning curve. In a side made up of 5 Under-21’s, learning to play league cricket against an experienced opposition such as this can only help the team and hopefully iron out the inconsistencies that have plagued the season. With the league leaders visiting Home Park on Saturday, Windsor must win in order to have any hope of promotion going into the final game of the season.

Back to winning ways for Windsor

Hampton Hill 137 All Out off 49.2 Overs (Kellard 4 for 55, Davis 4 for 35)
Windsor 2's 141 for 4 off 34 Overs (Malik 49, Chana 48)

After a poor loss to Stoke Green the week before, Winsdor needed to get back to winning ways in this TVCL Division 4A encounter. Upon losing the toss, Windsor were asked to bowl first.

Condon and Lazaczuk took the new ball for Windsor and Hampton took great delight in putting any width away. Hampton Hill sped to 45 for 0 after 10 overs, when Davis made a double-switch that had an immediate effect. Windsor's own Hill bowled well, picking up two wickets including the dangerous Hampton for 43 and Windsor were suddenly on top. After Hill was forced out of the attack with a hamstring strain, the old combination of Davis and Kellard took up the attack. The immediate effect was a slowing of the run rate, with one 10 over period resulting in less than 10 runs. Hampton Hill continued to lose wickets and when the final wicket fell to Kellard, they had been bowled out for 137 inside their 52 overs. Davis and Kellard both finished with 4 wickets a piece.

In reply Windsor quickly lost Nair to a misjudged pull shot. Charters and Chana steadied the ship and took Windsor onto 40, before Charters also fell to the same shot. Malik then entered the fray and with Chana built the partenrship that would see Windsor to victory. Both played well, with Malik striking some characteristically huge lofted drives and Chana striking deft touches for four. Sadly both players fell with their 50's and the winning line in sight. This left Lines and Lazaczuk to see Windsor home for an impressive 6 wicket win.

Naïve Windsor Succumb to Green Seamers

Windsor 2's 160 All Out off 51.3 Overs (N. Hussain 5 for 31)
Stoke Green 161 for 1 off 25.3 Overs (S.Patel 102*)

With the weather finally set fair, Windsor 2's made the short trip to Stoke Green for their Division 4A match. Upon winning the toss, Windsor chose to bat first on what looked to be a wicket suited for their spinners later in the game. This would prove to be the first crucial error.

The Stoke Green bowlers started very strongly. Bowling a containing line and length, they were able to exploit the conditions well and produced prodigious swing and seam. Chana was the first of many Windsor batsmen to loose his patience and was dismissed in the 6th Over. He was followed back to the pavilion in quick order by Huggins, Davis and Malik, all losing their wickets to impatient shots. It was only the patient innings of Jones and Care that steadied the Windsor ship and helped them pass 100. After the loss of Care, Lazaczuk strode to the crease and with a determined approach put the Stoke Green bowlers to the sword. His 37 off 20 balls helped Windsor to a respectable total of 160 All Out off 52 overs.

Patience was again an issue as Stoke Green began their innings, as Davis and Lazaczuk failed to bowl a consistent line and length. Despite picking up an early wicket, Windsor could never slow the run rate and Patel in particular took a liking to the short boundary on the legside. Kellard and Chana both bowled well, but struggled to supress Patel and Bourne from scoring freely. Chances that did come were not taken or dropped just short of the fielders and Windsor began to realise it was not to be their day. Patel brought up his century with a 6 over square off Kellard that also finished the game. Stoke Green won by 9 wickets in a game they had dominated.

Windsor now enter the the last 4 games firmly in the chasing pack still looking for promotion. Now 18 points behind 2nd place, only a positive approach and good performances will see Windsor gain promotion. This week Windsor 2's entertain Hampton Hill at The Home Park in a must-win game.

Rain thwarts Windsor’s run

Windsor 186 for 4 off 46 Overs (Davis 52, Mason 47*)
Slough 69 for 1 off 9.3 Overs (Jetty 47*)

After two consecutive wins batting first, Windsor 2’s entered the local derby with Slough 3’s on a high but local at the skies with trepidation. After overnight rain and a week of heavy rain, Windsor won the toss and chose to bat first with the aim of scoring runs quickly.

Windsor openers Davis and Chana took advantage of the visitors lack of early numbers to get Windsor off to a flying start, reaching 45 for 0 after 10 overs. Davis then took particular toll on the full length that was being bowled at him and hit a number of straight drives for four. However, after reaching his half-century, Davis managed to find the only fielder deep on the legside and proceeded to caught for 52. This proceeded a mini-collapse and Windsor went from 94 for 0 to 95 for 3 in six balls. Mason and Lines began to steady the ship, with Mason in particular savage on anything overpitched. Malik joined Mason upon the loss of Lines and he and Mason proceeded to build a strong partnership. With characteristic lofted drives, Malik seemed to be finding some form and with Mason set Windsor up for a strong finish. However, the persistent rain that had been around during the innings saw an early tea and a long break. Windsor had achieved 186 for 4 off 46 overs when the innings was forced to a close.

After around an hour’s delay and with the match reduced to 88 overs, Slough set about the chase knowing that rain was in the air, so they threw caution to the wind. Jetty in particular was savage on anything full and raced to 47 before rain finally took its toll and washed the game out once and for all. Slough had reached 69 for 1 and were well set.

It was a difficult game to assess due to the bad weather, Windsor had played well but were thwarted by the poor weather around. It would have been an interesting game in dry conditions and the affect the weather had on the game drew the inevitable result of match abandoned as a draw.

BA brought back to earth with a bang

Windsor 2nd XI 168 All out (Singh 5 for 65)
British Airways 1st XI 131 All Out

Comeback Kings

Windsor 2nd XI 175 for 7 off 52 Overs (Hill 82, Scott 5 for 33)
Chesham 2nd XI 171 All Out off 47.2 Overs (Davis 5 for 57, Kellard 5 for 75)

Too complacent from Windsor

OMT 1st XI 225 for 9 off 52 Overs (McCabe 50)
Windsor 2nd XI 175 for 8 off 48 Overs

Finally back to winning ways

Windsor 2nd XI vs Tring Park 3rd XI

Windsor 208, 52 overs
Riches 50
Murray 50

Tring Park 175, 42 overs
Chana, 5-58

Windsor won by 33 runs.

With the absence of Brian Davis, Umar Malik took the reins of the 2nd xi captaincy.

Tring Park won the toss and put Windsor into bat. Windsor lost butt early but it was Riches and Chana who pushed on. Chana was next out, caught in the covers for a well played 31. Malik was next in but was run out without troubling the scorers. Huggins and Riches held the innings together with them both being dismissed in quick succession, Riches for a well deserved 50. Young George Gould and Murray came in the last 12 overs and contributed 20 and 50 respectively to take Windsor to 208 from their 52 overs.

Tring park started their inning well, taking advantage of anything loose from the Windsor openers. It was the bowling change of Kellard and Chana that bough two quick wickets for Windsor. The two spin twins bowled well in tandem, creating pressure for each other. The two took wickets at crucial times and finished the innings with Harmeet 'dart pea' Chana 5-58 off his 14 overs and Kellard finishing with 4 wickets.

All in all, a really gutsy performance from the Windsor team, and a much needed 25 points!

Stagnant last 10 overs spoil Windsor's day

Saturday 27th June

Windsor 2's 208 for 3 off 52 Overs (Chana 69, P Huggins 62*)
Wooburn Narkovians 211 for 6 off 46.3 Overs (J White 51)

On a day with thundering around the edges of the ground, Windsor 2's lacked the thunder on the pitch to convert a good start into a substantial total.

After winning the toss and chosing to bat first, Windsor openers Chana and Davis made a positive (if not in the case the latter) if risky start. With the score at 75, Davis was first to go for 37, caught on the long off boundary. Huggins joined Chana and the pair began to build further on the strong start made, with Chana reaching a deservered 50. However, with innings beginning to stall, runs began to dry up as Huggins suffered in the heat and Chana was caught on the boundary attempting one big shot too many. Nair briefly joined the now immobile Huggins and tried in vain to hit out with boundary riders all around the ground. One final push by Riches helped Huggins get Windsor past 200 and settle at a total of 208 from 52 overs. With 7 wickets still hand, this total could surely have been at least 20 more had more risk been taken.

Wooburn started positively, but as Hill, Gould and Davis chipped away with early wickets, the game was wide open going into the final quarter of the match. The extra runs missed earlier in the day would prove to be decisive as White and Wooburn skipper Small made a postive move with less than 15 overs to go. Small in particular played some lusty blows over the long on boundary. When Bennett later replaced Small, the two left handers set to frustrate Windsor further and get closer to the total. When Small was finally out to sharp catch by Nair off Chana, the game was already won for Wooburn and Bennett ticked of the final runs with ease.

A disappointing loss for Windsor especially considering how they had dominated with the bat for good portions of the game. Windsor need to find that extra gear going into the swecond half of the season to get to totals of 230 plus to give for a strong platform for which to bowl a side out on.

The Windsor 2s get their dues

Windsor 2nd XI 208 for 9; 52 Overs (Lines 58)
Amersham 2nd XI 209 for 4; 43.3 Overs (Colqhohoun 50, Aylott 51, Dolleymore 34)

Fresh on the back of a good win at Hampton Hill the week before, Windsor 2’s returned home to Windsor last weekend hoping to build a winning run. With the 1st team flying in their division, the team were hoping to add to the feel-good factor that they developed. On a dry wicket, Windsor skipper Davis had no hesitation to bat first in an attempt to set a strong total.

The Windsor innings got off to a good start as Chana (30) and Butt (24) registered a 60-run opening partnership. But as both fell to disappointing dismissals in the same over, the theme of the innings seemed to set in. With Ash’s off-spinners in particular gripping and turning, Amersham managed to register 5 successive maidens and crippled the Windsor run-rate. Huggins (16) and Nair (30) both tried to push the rate along, but both fell to soft dismissals trying to up the rate. Only Mark Lines managed to restart the flagging Windsor innings and along with Hill and Care, they managed to work the ball around the large ground and the pair took Windsor towards a respectable total of 208. This was only a par score and much less than Windsor had looked to be heading towards.

Amersham’s reply started in the worst possible way as, with old ball in hand, Kellard struck with the first ball of the innings with a sharp catch at short leg by Chana. This proved to be the last time Windsor had control of the innings as Colquohoun set about forcing the game away from the home team. Some inconsistent bowling was matched by merciless batting and he soon raced to 50. Windsor in the meantime had the disappointment of losing Hill (their leading wicket taker this season) to a groin injury. This greatly restricted the Windsor attacking bias and forced Davis to try to defend from one end with his bowling. Unfortunately, pressure could not be maintained and despite Condon removing Colquohoun for 50 and Kellard finally forcing a further wicket on the boundary. Some lusty blows from Aylott and Dolleymore kept Amersham ahead of the game and they coasted home with loss of only one more wicket. Whilst Amersham produced an excellent chase, it was a disappointing bowling performance by Windsor, especially considering the desire to be aggressive and win the game.

With a visit to league leaders Wooburn Narkovians up next on Saturday, Windsor 2’s need to return to doing the basics correctly. That being bowling one side of the wicket and building big scores out of good starts. This is basically the difference between winning and losing games, making Windsor somewhat unpredictable.

Condon Scalps Six in Hampton

Hampton Hill 178 All Out (Hampton 78, Exworth 61, Condon 6 for 38)
Windsor 2’s 179 for 4 (Davis 58*, Huggins 57)

After a frustrating week of watching competitors in the league pick up points whilst not being able to play, Windsor 2nds got their league campaign back running again at Hampton Hill. On a hard looking deck, Windsor once again lost the toss and was invited to bowl first.

As in the previous game, Windsor got off to a flier with Hill picking up two wickets in his first 4 overs. With Condon bowling well at the other end Davis replaced Hill and also took a wicket with his first ball. Hampton Hill immediately found themselves on the back foot and it was at this point Condon blew the innings wide open. After struggling for form in the weeks of the season, Condon suddenly let fly removing key man Fullocks who shouldered arms to a ball that cut sharply back in. His first wicket seemed to relax Condon and with pace and accuracy he went on to take a further 3 wickets. When skipper Exworth joined Hampton the score was on 62 for 7 and the home side were in some trouble. However an incredibly resistant 8th wicket partnership of 116 saw Hampton Hill towards a competitive total and frustrated Windsor. When Exworth finally fell for 61, giving Condon his fifth wicket in the process, the game had truly turned on its head. Sensing the chance to close the innings out, Condon and Kellard quickly wrapped the innings up with Hampton the final wicket to fall for 78. Hampton Hill had reached 178 all out off 45.1 overs, giving Windsor 54 overs to reach the target.

Windsor started strongly, but were unfortunate to lose the wicket of Butt lbw in the 10th over. Huggins joined Chana and they quickly set about building the chase. A fifty partnership was formed as Huggins drove well and Chana was brutal on anything short. The introduction of spin seemed to bring out some demons from the Bushy Park pitch and the loss of Chana for 20 to one that kept low, slowed Windsor somewhat. Mirza, who had endured a number of tough overs, finally succumbed to a sharp catch by the Hampton Hill keeper. This wicket brought skipper Davis to the crease, who soon showed his intentions clear by hitting Hill’s skipper Exworth for three consecutive fours. With Huggins supporting well, Windsor drove towards the target and withdrew the last hope from the Hampton Hill bowlers. Huggins (57) would fall shortly after another fine fifty, but it was left to Davis (58 not out) and Murray (12 not out) to guide Windsor home to a 6 wicket win with 8 overs to spare.

It was a great bounce-back for Windsor after a couple of disappointing losses and showed good character in the team. Condon’s bowling stole the honours for the day as he really showed the promise he has long had.

This week Windsor 2nd team have Amersham 2nd team visiting them at Home Park for what should be an interesting encounter.

An unfortunate lesson in grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory

Slough 3rd XI 202 for 7 52 overs (Chagger 50, Uddin 62)
Windsor 2nd XI 185 All Out 46.3 overs (Chana 62, Murray 55)

After the thrills and spills of the game the previous week, Windsor 2’s looked to get back into winning ways with their short trip to Slough. On what looked to be a hard deck, Slough 3’ chose to bat first, with what proved to be a view to spinning their visitors out.

The Slough innings started in the worst possible way as both openers were dismissed cheaply by Hill. With the occurrence of Windsor’s Taz bowling at Slough’s Taz, the innings settled into a more settled pattern as Karim and Chagger took a hold of anything loose served up by Hill and Condon. Davis replaced Condon and immediately found the ball cutting off the seam, which helped to slow the score and saw the removal of Karim for 27. Skipper Chagger continued to build the score, but with Kellard producing prodigious spin at one end, Davis was able to remove him shortly after passing 50. Unfortunately, the next 15 overs would prove to be costly for Windsor as a number of catches were shelled and run-outs narrowly missed and Slough fought their way towards a competitive total through the partnership of Uddin (62) and Ghazi (35). Slough finished their innings on 202 for 7 off their 52 overs.

In reply, Windsor got off to the worst possible start. With Slough opening with spinners and using the old ball, Windsor quickly found themselves at 20 for 3. With Huggins, Gould and Mirza all dismissed cheaply to the fine bowling of Kahn and Mustafa. It took a fantastic partnership from Chana and Murray to put Windsor back into the game and both reached fine fifties. However, with the Slough heads down and a winning position in sight, Windsor managed to bring about disaster. First Murray was run out after a mix-up (which could only be settled by a mid-pitch chat) saw him run out with yards to spare for 55. Then, shortly after, Chana inexplicably walked past a straight one and was bowled for 62. With George and Davis briefly restabilising the innings, it was the wicket of Davis that saw the start of the final disastrous collapse. Hill, Condon and Care all quickly followed the skipper, leaving number 11 Kellard to help George bat out the final 6 overs. Despite a valiant effort, Uddin managed to gain the final decision and had Kellard lbw with 8 balls left. Windsor had collapse to a 41 run defeat.

This was an incredibly disappointing result for the Windsor 2nd team, but one that can be addressed through hard work as a team. Windsor this week face top of the table Stoke Green at the Home Park, looking to restore some confidence with a good performance.

BA almost grounded in close finish

Windsor 2's 234 for 7 off 51 Overs (Lines 60, P Huggins 58)
British Airways 1's 235 for 9 off 28.4 Overs (Fiazal 62, Edge 5-68)

After a strong start to the season, the visit of British Airways to Home Park was always seen as a test of the credentials of the Windsor 2nd Team, and the resulting game would prove to be a classic. On what looked to be a good deck, BA skipper Raj asked Windsor to bat first.

Windsor openers Huggins and Channa took a measured approach to the start of the game as good BA bowling had them pegged back somewhat, but by managing to put away the bad balls, still recorded the first 50 opening stand of the season. When Chana was finally dismissed for 38, Windsor had cantered onto to 60 off 18 overs. Lines continued the hard work as both he and Huggins built upon the good start, his on-drives in particular were sweetly timed. The Windsor total continued to build despite the loss of both Huggins (58) and Lines (60) shortly after passing the 50 mark, which left Charters and Murray to continue the attack. Windsor passed the 200 mark with 8 overs still to go in the innings, but a mini-collapse saw the runs dry up and Windsor reached 234 for 7 off 51 overs when skipper Davis declared the now spluttering innings. How crucial the extra over would prove to be has yet to be decided.

To describe the British Airway's as just positive would be a understatement. Both openers attacked from the off and Faisal in particular was brutal on any width. Condon, Edge and Davis all were dispatched to all parts before Kellard finally got Faisal to sky a ball to Charters at long-on. By that point BA were on 115 for 1 off just 16 overs, with Faisal scoring 60 in the process. Windsor were literally up against the wall, but a controlled spell of bowling from Hill and Kellard, followed up by Edge soon brought Windsor back into the game. After 116 off the first 16 overs, only 40 were scored from the next 16 and BA suddenly needed over 5 an over to successfully chase their target. A fine 6th wicket stand then changed the match again and put BA firmly back on top. Any width was dispatched and once in, both batters took advantage of the good playing surface. With just 3 overs to go, BA required 11 to win.

With a packed balcony watching, Edge tore in from the castle end and produced a wonderful over with 3 wickets in it. Starting the over 224 for 7, BA finished at 227 for 9. After another tight over from Condon, Edge then tore in again and narrowly missed his hat-trick with one that shaved the off stump. It was left to the BA captain Raj, the team's number 11 bat, to swing an almighty blow with 3 balls left to hit the winning runs, a four over mid-off. The BA team naturally went berserk and the Windsor crowd on the balcony applauded a fantastic game of League cricket.

Windsor undoubtedly learnt a lot from the game, but the fact that the points margin at the end of the game was only 5 as a result of losing bore testament to the quality of cricket on show. This week Windsor travel to local rivals Slough 3's looking to get back onto the winning trail.

Windsor Variable 7 or 8, Moderate Turning Good later

Chesham 2nd XI 184 for 9 52 overs (Saunders 48, Kellard 3 for 30)
Windsor 2nd XI 185 for 5 46.3 overs (Gould 43, Murray 38)

In their first home league game of the season, the Windsor 2nd team entertained Chesham 2nd team at The Home Park. After a number of days of heavy rain, the wicket and ground was somewhat wet still. But with good weather and a howling gale blowing over the castle, the ground was drying fast. With this in mind, upon winning the toss Windsor choose to bowl first.

Windsor again started with the combo of Edge and Condon who both found the conditions difficult for differing reasons. Edge bowled well considering he was bowling head long into a strong wind and looked tired when replaced by Davis in the 14th over. Condon contrast struggled to settle on the correct length with the wind behind him. When Hill replaced Condon in the 15th over, Chesham had made a strong start with skipper Bilbury and Saunders setting a good foundation until the former played around an inswinger off Davis and was out for 29. A period of consolidation followed, which also lead to a period of frustration for both sides. Chesham looked to kick on, whilst Windsor looked to take more wickets. Despite a few catches being dropped, Windsor was able to take more control and slowed the run rate down greatly as Chesham entered the final 15 overs. When Saunders finally fell to Davis for 48, Chesham seemed to lose all momentum and struggled along to the end of their 52 overs. The excellent control of Kellard tore a hole in the Chesham middle order and along with Hill and Davis, finished with 3 wickets each. Chesham finally posted 184 off their 52 overs.

The reply started in bad fashion for Windsor as Lines was out in just the second over to a fine inswinging delivery. With Scott bowling tight lines with his Left arm seamers, Huggins and Gould found runs hard to come by. Indeed, only the class of Gould provided much of the Windsor resistance for some time and he frustrated Chesham with some fine stroke play. When Huggins finally fell for 7, a 40 run partnership was broken and brought Mirza to the crease. Working the ball around with Gould, the run rate was maintained around 3 an over, but the target was still over 100 away when Gould fell for a fine 43. Murray and Mirza continued to push for runs, but the tight bowling of Rance was holding Windsor at bay. Indeed the match turned on its head when the two young Chesham spinners were replaced. With Mirza and Murray both falling to Scott, it was again up to Hill and Davis to tick the required runs off at the end of the innings for the second week in a row. After needing over 6 an over two big overs off Scott changed the innings. An over including a huge six from Davis was followed by a big over from Hill, which put Windsor needing 5 of 12 balls. Hill duly brought up the win with a fine lofted drive past the bowler. Windsor won the game by 5 wickets with 9 balls to spare.

Another strong run chase bore testament to another fine team performance. The fielding needs to be worked on still, but all in all a very good win from Windsor chasing a par score on a wet wicket.

Windsor this week face top of the table British Airways at the Home Park for what is bound to be a test for both sides of their potential for the 2009 season.

Dream Day for Hat-trick Hero Hill

OMT 1stXI 168 all out 41.3 overs (A Shelley 54, A Hill 6 for 42)
Windsor 2nd XI 171 for 5 53.4 overs (P Huggins 52, A Hill 45*)

Windsor 2nd XI finally started their league season last Saturday with a trip to Rickmansworth to play Old Merchants Taylor. With the home side (originally) missing influential captain Dave Katz and having lost a couple of players, it was a new-look side that Windsor faced to that off previous seasons. Upon winning the toss, OMT decided to bat first on what would look and prove to be a great track.

OMT openers looked to be positive from the word go and both Edge and Condon, the Windsor opening bowlers, were unlucky to see a number of boundaries hit from there bowling. Whilst it was Condon that was regularly whistling balls past the bat, Edge took the first wicket of McCabe through a well taken catch at mid-off by Noble. Shelley continued to attack for OMT and soon brought up his 50. After 19 overs, OMT sat at 89 for 1 and were flying. Then a stroke of fortune turned the game dramatically as Hill had Shelley caught down the legside by keeper Care, the result of which was a start of a dramatic collapse. With leg-spinner Kellard bamboozling them at the one end, the OMT batsmen had no let up from the pressure Hill started to exert from his bowling removing a solid looking number 3 with a smart in-swinging delivery. Hill and Kellard worked in tandem and ripped out the OMT middle order. Hill then capped a fine spell with a hat-trick over two overs, taking his 4th, 5th and 6th wickets in the process. In between the last two wickets came a Kellard over that removed another batter bowled around his legs. With the last man at the crease OMT had crashed from 89 for 1 to 119 for 9 over the space of 8 overs. Some pride was restored though through some odorant batting by Richards and Booth, which managed to push OMT along to a total of 168 all out when Edge removed the final wicket. Hill was the pick of the Windsor bowlers with 6 for 42, but a good team effort by all the bowlers had put Windsor into that position.

With 58 overs to knock the runs off, Windsor set out seemingly looking to use up all the overs they had at hand. The run rate was at around 2 runs per over throughout the first 25 overs and when Noble was out for 11 in the 27th over, Windsor suddenly needed 4 an over to reach the target. Huggins passed a good 50, maintaining his early season form, but the wise and guile of Neil Richards was causing Windsor no end of problems. Indeed, he duly removed Gould, Chana and Gould in a short space of time and was conceding at around 1 run per over. When skipper Davis reached the crease, there was little choice but to up the scoring rate and heavy hitting soon upped the scoring rate. With the loss of the next wicket, Davis began to play the support role as Hill’s dream day continued as he began to plunder runs as well as wickets. With an aggressive flourish, Hill was brutal with any width he was offered and hit one magnificent six back over the previously unshakeable Richards’ head. When Hill hit the final boundary, Windsor had won with 20 balls to spare. Hill was not out 45 and Davis not out 26.

Windsor had battled hard for a good win in their first league outing against one of the many first teams in the division. The side has the makings of a good team and need to just be more conscious of not getting bogged down on run rates when batting and have that extra killer instinct to finish off an oppositions tail having worked so hard to remove the top order batters. On the whole though, this was an excellent win. This Saturday (16th) Windsor 2’s is at home to Chesham 2’s.

Princes outplayed by hard work

Windsor 160 for 8 off 40 overs (Mirza 58, Davis 26, Hill 26)
Princes Risborough 131 for 7 off 40 overs (Strong 45, Jones 4 for 20)

In the final practice match prior to the start of the league season, the Windsor 2nd team took on the challenge of Chiltern League club Princes Risborough. Due to bad traffic the start was delayed and the game was reduced to 40 overs per side win, lose or draw game. Upon winning the toss, Windsor chose to bat first and look to try practice the art of setting a target and bowling a side out.

Windsor’s inning got off to a slow start and when Noble was out in the 7th over, the score had only just received double figures. Mirza joined Huggins and took the onus of the innings, building a strong 2nd wicket partnership. When Huggins ran himself out in the 21st over, Windsor were 60 for 2 and struggling to build a strong target to defend. The introduction of the left-handed Davis seemingly disrupted the tight bowling lines of the Princes Risborough bowling and Mirza and Davis proceed to take 50 from the next 8 overs and Windsor suddenly found themselves in a strong position to build a good total. However, the loss of Mirza shortly after reaching 50 precipitated a collapse and Windsor lost 4 wickets for 10 runs. A good partnership between Hill and Care clawed back some advantage and when latter departed Jones continued the mantle. When Hill was out on the last ball of the innings for 26, Windsor had set a competitive total of 160. Greaves was the pick of the Princes bowlers with 4 for 35.

With 4 an over needed from the off, the Princes Risborough openers looked to attack from the word go. Windsor opening bowlers Edge and Condon both strived for early breakthroughs, with the latter picking up the first wicket of Strong, with the counterattacking from Strong was the main source of the visitor’s runs. Hill then joined Condon and both bowled well without luck. Pitt continued to hold one end up, whilst Strong built from the other and Windsor struggled to make breakthroughs. However the introduction of Jones seemed to turn the tide and the luck for Windsor. Jones removed Pitt and Strong in consecutive overs and along with the leg-spin of Kellard, Windsor made strides through the visitors batting order. Only the resistance of captain Morton and Hitchcock managed to stem the flow of wickets and Princes Risborough finished with 131 for 7 off their 40 overs.

Whilst the match ended in a draw, Windsor had been on top for much of the game and should be disappointed to not have bowled their opposition out. Arguably, when the numbers 7 and 8 started to counter attack with attacking fields, it caused Windsor to relax and expect wickets when previously they had worked for them. This is an issue that requires a minor tweak and more focus to ensure the chances that were lost last year are not repeated this.

This Saturday, Windsor 2’s will play their first league game of the season away at OMT.

Windsor cruise to victory over local rivalsDatchet 2

Datchet 2 173 All Out off 41.1 Overs (Lancefield 55, Jackson 33 - Hill 3/22; Jones 3/47)
Windsor 2 176 for 4 off 38.1 Overs (Huggins 46*, George 42 – Lancefield 3/23)

With local bragging rights up for grabs, Windsor 2nd Team entertained Datchet 2nd team at The Home Park last weekend. After a week of wonderful weather, the rain of the morning made little difference and the wicket looked to be hard but green.

Upon winning the toss, Datchet skipper Kenny chose to bat first. Datchet began very strongly with the unorthodox stroke-play of Jackson defying a belligerent opening spell of Hill and Edge. Edge repeatedly passing the outside of the Datchet bats, but finished his 10 overs wicket less, despite one very close appeal. Hill managed to pick up two wickets in his opening 8 overs, but by the end of his first spell Datchet we well set on 50 for 2 after 16 overs. The introduction of the leg-spin of Mahmud Mirza suddenly saw a dramatic reward as Jackson skied a chance to deep mid-wicket that Hill confidently gobbled up. After taking a second Datchet wicket, Mirza was then struck out of the attack by a counter-attack by Lancefield and Stapleburg.

At the drinks break, Datchet had reached 112 for 4 off 24 overs and looked well set for a competitive total. As often is the case, drinks only brought a wicket as Stapleburg was removed by a juggling catch by Davis at mid-wicket. Lancefield continued to counter-attack, but with Davis and Jones regularly picking up wickets, his 55 was the only remaining contribution to the Datchet total. When Hill returned and removed Datchet captain Kenny with his first delivery, Datchet were all out for 174 in the 41st over.

After yet another quality tea, Windsor took the field looking to knock off the 175 runs needed to reach the victory line. Both Huggins and Bird looked positive from the off, picking up regular boundaries and the odd quick single to keep the scoreboard ticking along. However, the two quick wickets of Bird (8) and Chana (0), saw Stapleburg put Windsor firmly onto the defensive. Nair joined Huggins and together they built a strong 50 partnership and moved Windsor towards a winning position. But the introduction of Lancefield captured the wickets of Nair (23), Davis (0) and Junaid (11) in the space of a few short overs and put the Windsor innings under threat of collapsing. Fortunately, the counter-attacking style of George (42 not out) and support of Huggins (46 not out) managed to created a final resolute partnership that took Windsor over the finish line with 7 overs to spare.

Another good win for Windsor creates another opportunity to build on small errors that occurred in the game. On the fielding side, the key will be to support our players through basic skills and not through conveying of disappointment. With the bat the key will be to avoid mini-collapses which slow the tempo and create partnerships to help the flow of the innings.

This Saturday, Windsor 2nds play there last pre-league season friendly against Princes Riseborough 1st XI at Home Park. With their division packed with 1st XI opposition, this will provide a strong test prior to the start of a competitive campaign.

Windsor 2’s start season with a win

Egham 2 140 for 10 off 50 Overs
Windsor 2 144 for 4 off 46.1 Overs (Huggins 52*)

In the first game under the new captaincy of Brian Davis, Windsor 2nd XI entertained Egham at The Home Park. On what proved to be a slow, low and wet track; Davis was pleased to win the toss and insert the opposition. In an attempt to ensure as many club members got a game as possible, the match was played as 12-a-side.

Windsor opening bowlers Edge and Lewis bowled excellent tight lines and restricted the visitors to just 14 off the first 10 overs, both of them taking a wicket each in the early overs. Jones and Hill then took on the mantra and kept things very tight, with the scoring rate hardly breaking 1.5 per over in the first 25 overs. Egham captain Reid and his left-handed partner managed to steady the ship and increase the scoring rate and began to look towards building a score, until both were dismissed in the space of two overs by Davis and Hill. Boundaries continued to be hard to come by and with the introduction of Alam’s off-spin wickets began to fall regularly once again. Egham finally managed to reach 140 off their 50 overs, with all bowlers picking up a wicket and Alam and Edge picking 3 each.

In reply, Windsor got off to relative flyer, but lost two key wickets to typical early season shots. Huggins and Rich Noble settled the ship down, but the scoring rate was always slow and pressure was building on them. When Rich Noble fell, Windsor was still short of half way and with less than half the overs remaining. Rob Noble joined Huggins and both dug in for a long effort. Egham used their slow bowlers well and were able to keep the rate very low. Noble showed some good signs of aggression, but boundaries were scarce and Windsor entered the last 10 overs needing 40 runs to win. Two quick wickets (Rob Noble and Care) saw Davis come to the crease. He immediately looked to push the field back and with 12 taken from the 46th over, Windsor found themselves with 1 to win off 4 overs. Huggins duly hit the winning 4, bringing up his 50 in the process.

A good win to start the season, but it did highlight the need to be able to adapt the batting to the conditions. On a slow wicket, Windsor found itself looking for the big shot rather than plundering singles that were available. But with two more games before the start of the league season, there is time to develop this side of the game.