Windsor 2nd XI vs OMT 1st XI

OMT 258 – 8 51.5 Overs

Broadley 76

Harris 3-108
Hartridge 2-40
Edge 2-59

Windsor 262 – 6 48 Overs

Malik 64
P. Huggins 61
Lines 58*

Windsor entertained early pace setters OMT on a bright but blustery day at the Home Park with a team showing no less than 6 changes from the side that performed so well the week before away to Hayes.

OMT won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked to be an excellent track and openers McCabe and Lamb soon provide this to be the case. The score moved along at a steady rate as both openers were quick to latch onto any loose deliveries and it soon started as if it could a long afternoon in the field for Windsor. After reprieve Lamb was the first to go for 22 as he was bowled by a full swinging delivery from Edge. This only served to accelerate the scoring as Broadley came to the crease and was instantly into his stride taking full advantage of the flat wicket and quick outfield.

In an attempt to slow the scoring Windsor turned to young spinner Harris, but he too found the going tough as Broadley struck his first delivery back over his head for 4 more. This set the tone for the next 10 overs as Broadley went on the offensive striking a number of boundaries as McCabe provided the support running quick 1’s and 2’s as they tested Windsor’s fielding. Charters was introduced the attack to further take the pace off the ball and from here Windsor started to claw their way back into the game. Windsor finally made a much needed break through when Bullock held onto one at long on from the bowling of Harris as Broadley departed for a brisk 76.

The OMT batsman were in no mood to let up as they continued in the persuit of quick runs. Next to go though was McCabe for 48 off the bowling of Harris and Windsor started sense they may be able to keep the score within reach. This brought the brother’s Winkle to the crease who mixed aggression with quick running as the scoring started to accelerate again. Hartridge was re-introduced to the attack and he made the break through clean bowling R. Winkle for 35. From here regular wickets fell as Turner quickly followed him back to the pavilion trapped L.B.W for 3 by Hartridge. Shergold came and went as he was bowled by Harris for a duck and it seemed there could be the opportunity to wrap up the innings early. Skipper Katz and M. Winkle had other ideas though as they produced a late burst with Harris on the receiving end. The introduction of Edge for the final over saw Katz depart for a breezy 19 well held by Harris over his shoulder chasing back at point. A mix up in the running saw Davis depart for 0 and OMT declared on 258 for 8 with a ball to spare with M. Winkle finishing up on 41 not out.

Windsor realised they would have to bat well if they were to get any where near the score despite the favourable batting conditions. Windsor’s reply got off to a solid start as openers Malik and Paul Huggins mixed defence with some solid stroke play against the new ball pair of Turner and Katz as the scoring moved along at 3 an over. With wickets not forth coming OMT rotated the bowling introducing the spin of Lamb and Richards, but, the innings continued to make steady progress with Windsor reaching 64 for no loss in the 20th over. From here both batsman started to up the scoring as 55 were added in the next 8 overs with both openers reaching their 50’s, Malik in particular noticeably growing confidence as he started lofting seamer McCabe back over his head for 4 off consecutive deliveries. This left Windsor with 140 required from the last 20 overs with all 10 wickets in hand, a tall order, but one which was definitely achievable.

Windsor lost their 1st wicket though as Malik aimed one big shot too many down the ground off the bowling of McCabe to be caught by Lamb at long on for a well made 64. This brought Mark Huggins to crease who appeared to be in no mood to mess around as he dispatched Davis for 6 from the first ball he faced, however, it would appear he struggling with his maths on this occasion as with 10 runs already taken from the 1st four balls of the over he aimed an ungainly swipe across the line to be bowled for 8. This left Charters and Paul Huggins to rebuild after 2 quick wickets. From here the scoring slowed as Charters struggled after taking a blow to the ankle whilst fielding and Malik had to return to the middle as his runner. With the pressure building Paul Huggins was the next to go caught at point from the bowling of Davis as he aimed a big shot over the top of cover and looked as if the Windsor innings looked to losing it’s way.

On this occasion youngster Mark Lines had other ideas as he and Charters soon upped the rate striking boundaries and pushing the OMT fielders hard turning 1’s into 2’s and it was game on again. Charters departed in the 43rd over caught behind off the bowling of Turner for 27 to leave the score at 211 for 4. Bullock and Doye came and went for 5 and 3 respectively as they perished in search of quick runs leaving Hartridge and Lines to continue the chase and the two showed a maturity beyond their years as they kept Windsor in the hunt. More clean hitting and good running left Windsor needing 30 to win from the last 3 overs and the runs continued to flow with Lines passing his maiden senior 50, leaving 10 required from the final. With Lines taking 1 from the first ball it was left for last weeks star with the ball Hartridge to step up with the bat. Two 2’s and a four left the scores tied with two balls to go. A play and a miss left the nerves jangling, but, Hartridge off the final ball of the innings struck Katz down the ground with a classic straight drive for 4 to seal a great first win of the season as he finished 20 not out.

It was great to get the first win of the season after coming so close the week before, but, what made it even more pleasing was that it was done chasing a challenging with younsters Lines and Malik sticking their hands up with 50’s and a great cameo by Hartridge at the end to win the game.

Windsor 2nd XI vs Hayes 1st XI

Windsor 205 – 8 from 45 overs

Mark Huggins 70
M. Green 3-81

Hayes 174 – 9 from 41 overs

M. Green 80
T. Hartridge 5-52
R. Gregory 3-47

Windsor headed to Hayes on Saturday for their first away game looking for a win to kick start the season.

On a gloomy and overcast day Windsor lost the toss and were invited to bat first on what looked to be a firm but grassy track. Only 2 overs play were possible before the rain came which were safely negotiated by openers Paul Huggins and Noble. After a number of attempts to resume play as the showers came and went the teams finally took to the field again after a 50 minute delay leaving Windsor with 43 overs to bat. The next 8 overs saw a good contest between bat and ball as both openers were quick to seize on any loose deliveries, but, at the same time had their outside edges beaten frequently. Skipper Paul Huggins looked to be in fine touch as he plundered 12 runs from one Green over.

Windsor were well placed with 40 from the first 10 overs when Huggins was adjudged LBW off the bowling of Green for 19. From here Hayes began to battle back as regular wickets fell. Next to go was Weston bowled for 7 by Wayland as he attempted an ambitious pull shot and was closely followed by Noble in similar fashion for 21. When Riches was yorked off the bowling of Morgan for 14 the Windsor innings was in the balance at 71-4. As had not been the case in previous weeks when Windsor needed a partnership they found one in the form Mark Huggins returning from injury and Malik. After a few sighters Huggins was back to his usual swashbuckling self as he drilled Morgan back into the sight screen for six. What ensued was a good passage of play for Windsor with a mix of aggression and quick singles. Huggins played the dominant roll as struck two further sixs and a number of fours and was ably supported by Malik who also looked to be fine touch as he played the shot of the day as he drove Fahid through the covers for 4. The next wicket to fall though was Malik chipping Fahid to midwicket for 19. This brought George to the crease who was quickly into his stride striking Fahid through midwicket for four and then over long on for 6. With Windsor well placed to push for 200 Huggins perished for 70 as looked to force Fahid through mid wicket leaving the score at 170 for 6. Hartridge came and went as he was bowled by Green for 4 and then a mix up in the running between Gregory and George saw the later depart for 19 as it started to look as though Windsor would fall agonisingly short of the magical 200 mark. However, they were not to be denied as Gregory dispatched Green over long on for 6 in the final over and the Windsor innings closed on 205 for 8 which looked as if it would require an exceptional batting performance to pass on a testing wicket.

Windsor took to the field knowing if they put the ball in the right areas the wicket would still be offering plenty of assistance. As had not been the case the previous weeks Windsor got the early break through as Gregory bowled Ahmed for 4. This brought M. Green to the crease fresh from a big hundred against Finchampstead the week before and Windsor soon found he was in fine touch dispatching any loose deliveries to the boundary, with opening bowler Bean in particular on the receiving end. The score raced along at 5 an over with Skipper S. Green providing support at the other end. It was Gregory who took the second wicket as S. Green played on a short delivery for 15. From here the score board continued to move at 5 an over, however, Windsor continued to take regular wickets. Next to go was Farooq for 6 bowled by Gregory and was closely followed by Frost bowled by Hartridge for 8 and Windsor were in the ascendancy with the score at 76 for 4. At this point Hayes consolidated as M. Green was joined at the crease by Wallis who played the perfect foil nudging the ball round as Green continued to take the aggressive aerial route as they battled back into the game. Skipper Huggins turned to young spinner Harris in attempt to stem the flow of runs, but, he too found the going tough bowling with the wet ball. Green’s approach was always going to offer chances, but, Windsor failed to take these as he was dropped twice off the bowling of Hartridge. Hartridge proved to be the man though as he removed Wallis L.B.W. for 16 and then Green caught behind for 80 as he attempted one big shot too many and the game started to swing back in Windsor’s favour. Morgan came and went as he was run out for 8 courtesy of a sharp piece of work by keeper George spotting he had not returned to his crease after playing his shot.

Windsor started to feel the win was there for the taking and it was Hartridge who continued to provide the wickets with Wayland caught by Mark Huggins at slip for 6 and then clean bowling Arshad for 22 leaving the score at 168 for 9 with 4 overs remaining. Windsor pushed hard for the win and a difficult chance spilt at short fine leg off the bowling of the returning Gregory, however, Windsor thought they had won the game in the final over as Hartridge struck Fahid in front offering no shot only for the umpire to adjudge that it was going over the top. From here Fahid saw out the final three deliveries as Hayes clung on for a draw. Tom Hartridge was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 5-52 from 15 overs.

Although it was disappointing not to claim the win after dominating the game for long periods of time skipper Huggins was happy with his sides much improved performance. It was good to see Mark Huggins in good touch in his first game back from injury, however, it was even more pleasing to see another youngster Tom Hartridge stick his hand up with a great performance with the ball.

Windsor 2nd XI vs Wooburn Narkovians 1st XI

Wooburn Narkovians 193 All Out 51.4 overs

Rogers 60
Davis 6-40

Windsor 126 – 7 48 overs

On a warm, but slightly overcast day at the Home Park Windsor entertained Wooburn Narkovians in their 1st game back at level. In light of recent batting displays Skipper Huggins won the toss and elected to field first to make use of any early assistance the conditions may have to offer. However, Windsor soon found themselves on the receiving end as Wooburn got off to a flier. Opener Rogers was quick to pounce on anything off line as the ball flew to all parts with Gregory coming in for some harsh treatment. Lewis was introduced to the attack at the expense of Gregory in attempt to stem the flow of runs, however he to found the going tough and was withdrawn after three costly overs. At was at this point Dean who had been toiling away at the other end gave Windsor their first break through as opener A. Tennant attempted to pull a short pitched ball only to top edge the ball high into the air and the catch been taken comfortably by keeper George. This brought White to the crease who was quickly into his stride seizing on anything short or full. With Bean tiring and the score still rattling along at 5 an over Windsor opted for the double bowling change introducing Davis and debutant Harris into the attack.

This signalled a change in the game as both settled quickly into a steady line and length. It was Davis who struck first trapping White LBW for 23 to leave Wooburn 99-2 in the 20th over. From here the scoring began to slow with Windsor’s fielders backing up the efforts of Davis and Harris. Rogers passed a well earned 50, however, departed shortly after cutting Harris to point. From here on Windsor showed great spirit as they fought their way back into the game. Regular wickets then began to fall as Wooburn struggled with the inswing of Davis as he ran through the middle order. Next to go was Cuthbert bowled by Davis for 8 closely followed by Hall LBW for 0. Barker and Cutherbert then looked to consolidate, however, Davis was to be denied as he removed both care of some sharp work behind the stumps by George with Cuthbert caught for 30 and Barker stumped for 15. With the overs running out the Wooburn batsman carried on in pursuit of 200 and maximum batting points. Wickets continued to fall though with Aslam was stumped for 3 off a wide by George off the bowling of Davis and Small holing out to Gregory at long on off the bowling of Harris for 13. The last wicket fell in the final over when Clarke was run out courtesy of some good work by Harris off his own bowling as Wooburn innings closed on 193. Davis finished with the impressive figures of 6-40 off 18 overs and was well supported by Harris who finished with 2-62 from his 18.

Windsor knew they had battled back well when early on it looked as though they would be chasing a score well in excess of 200.

Windsor’s reply got off to a poor start as Skipper Huggins departed for 7 off the bowling of Small to leave the score at 18-1. This brought Riches to the crease who looked to be in fine touch striking some crisp boundaries off the bowling of M.Tennant. However, he soon departed caught at cover from a leading edge off the bowling of Small for 15 as he looked to play through the mid wicket area. As has been the case so far this season the Windsor innings quickly ran into trouble as regular wickets fell as Gregory and Hartridge were bowled by Tennant. Davis struck a couple of sweet boudaries before been caught behind off Tennant for 10. Noble departed shortly after for 23 off the bowling of Barker and the Windsor innings was in real trouble at 66-6. With so few wickets in hand and the run rate in excess of 5 and over the only option was to bat time and pick up as many batting points as possible. George and Malik showed great patience as they batted time putting away the bad balls as they came along. Wooburn rotated their bowlers as they went in search of further wickets and the match appeared to be heading for a draw until Aslam trapped George LBW for 31 in the 45th over. Malik and Harris though showed good sense in batting out for the draw with Harris hitting opening bowler Small back over his head for 4 to secure an additional batting point as Windsor finished on 126-7 with Malik unbeaten on 23.

Skipper Huggins was satisfied with the result given Windsor had not played their best cricket, but had worked hard throughout the game after a difficult start and was impressed by the bowling of Davis and 17 year old Harris. However, the batting will need to step up a number of notches if Windsor are to register their first win of the season away at Hayes next week.

Pre season Friendly

Windsor 2nd XI (120-6) vs Enfield 1st XI (121-5)

On Saturday Windsor 2nd XI travelled to Enfield to play a game many thought would be called off given the rain over the past week. Windsor lost the toss and were invited to bat on what appeared to be a soft green track.

The innings got off to the worst possible start as Noble departed in the third over caught behind off the bowling of Brevier without troubling the scorer. This left skipper Huggins and Weston to set about rebuilding the innings. Both found scoring difficult as the Enfield made excellent use of the bowling conditions finding late swing and seam. With opening bowlers negotiated Weston and Huggins looked to push the scoring along. However, both batsman continued to find scoring difficult on the slow wicket and Weston perished as he was out stumped advancing down the track to the off spin of Jackson. This left Windsor at 46-2 in the 23rd over. With innings in the balance regular wickets fell in the middle order as the scoring continued to fail to gain any momentum. Riches was bowled playing inside the line of Jackson for 2, Davis was caught behind off Allena for 2 and George was bowled attempting to sweep the leg spin of Barry for 9. With the innings in real trouble Alam came and went LBW for 1 playing back to a full length ball off the bowling of Allena. The innings appeared to be on the brink of collapse at 85-6 in the 36th over. Malik and Huggins then set about the second meaningful partnership of the innings adding 35 in the remaining overs as the inning finished on 120 for 6 off 45 overs with Huggins 48 not out and Malik 21. The score was thought to be 20 to 30 runs short of par.

Windsor realised they would bowl and field exceptionally well if they were to have any chance in the match. Skipper Huggins had the desired response from the opening bowlers Lewis and debutant Bean. Bean was particularly impressive with his line and length, however, Windsor failed to take the early wickets required. The break through arrived in the 16 over with Lewis dismissing openers Bolt for 7 with Alam taking a fine diving catch at cover to leave the score at 21 for 1. Next came the partnership that swung the match in Enfields favour between Ryan and Barrell. Windsor rotated the bowlers looking for further wickets. Condon and Malik tried their luck without success as the Enfield pair continued to push the scoring of along with Barrell playing some big shoots off the bowling of Malik. This led skipper Huggins to turn to the unlikely bowling combination of Davis and Weston who both started to gain a strangle hold on the scoring. The second wicket came in the 23rd over courtesy of a run out as Plumb attempted 1 quick single too many and was run out for 25 leaving the score at 68 for 2. Despite the wicket though Windsor could feel the game slipping away with Enfield holding wickets in hand. Ryan and Barrell then added a further 20 to the score before Ryan was run out for 6 care of a good through from Condon in the deep and some smart work by George behind the stumps. Free then gave Huggins an easy catch at cover off the bowling of Weston as he departed for 4. Windsor knew time was running out and Huggins turned back to Bean, who removed Barrell bowled for a well made 56. It was all too little too late though as Enfield cantered home in the 43rd over.

Windsor go into next weeks league game knowing they will need to produce a much more determined performance with the bat if they are going to compete.