Sheffield Steel at foundations of Windsor Win

DATCHET 2 185 (Rob Hodgson 5-32) (48.2 Overs)
WINDSOR 188-3 (Brian Davis 78*, Andy Towse 62*) (43 Overs)

Windsor took the spoils in the first local derby of the season with a comprehensive victory over Datchet to remain top of Division 4B. Winning his first toss of the season Windsor decided to bowl first although they were forced to start the game with ten men as South African opening bowler Dahron Pitt had somehow managed to get lost on the lengthy 1.5 mile journey from Windsor to Datchet. Datchet started brightly and after 10 overs had reached 37-0. However the arrival of Pitt eventually saw Windsor put the breaks on and both Chris Edge and Pitt made the breakthrough’s to see Datchet struggle somewhat to 80-4 after 26 overs. However, the game opened up in Windsors favour as Sheffielder Rob Hodgeson replaced fellow Yorkshireman Edge and Windsor had instant success with Brian Davis snaring a couple of excellent caught behinds stood up to Hodgeson. Datchet attempted to hit their way out of trouble with Shaun Furness hitting a mighty six off Dahron Pitt but wickets continued to fall steadily throughout the innings and backed up by excellent fielding and catching another sharp chance taken by Davis gave Hodgson his fifth wicket and saw Datchets innings close on 185.

Datchet made early inroads into the Windsor attack with the prolific Paul Huggins being caught in Cover and Nigel Wing comprehensively bowled and Datchets tails were up with Windsor stuttering to 22-2. The departure of Rob Noble for a gutsy 28 brought Brian Davis to the crease with Andy Towse and with Datchet looking for further inroads, both held firm keeping their wickets in tact and seeing off the new ball threat. Both began to get in on the seaming wicket with Davis in particular looking in good form. Needing 4 an over from the 30th over the pair began to accelerate the scoring and with the opening bowlers recalled Davis looked to hit them out of the attack as a hook for 6 was followed by an exquisite drive over long on for another maximum as Windsor began to take the game away from Datchet. Both reached deserved half centururys and a superb four through extra cover by Davis saw Windsor reach the target in the 43rd over with Davis unbeaten on 78 and Towse also unbeaten on 62.