Rain spoils Derby Match

Datchet 186-4 (40.2 overs) Match Abandonded Rain

With Windsor top of the League and Datchet 2nd from bottom this was a game both sides were intent on getting some form of result but which was eventually spoiled as the drizzle that had plagued the game all day turned heavy to put a premature end to the game.

Winning the toss Datchet elected to bat and in the 3rd over could have got off to the worst possible start but were thankful that Chris Edge put down a dolly off his own bowling and Datchets opening pair could regroup. With seamer Warren Griffiths finding some pace and bounce on the Home Park wicket he troubled Watson with a few blows to the body although both were beginning to score freely as boundaries began to flow with some calypso shots around the ground. Griffiths struck twice to remove Watson and when Thomas Jones was mopped up after a quick 35 Windsor looked to turn the screw. However, it was around this time that the persistent drizzle began to get heavy. Both sides were offered the opportunity to go off but both declined although this began to work against Windsor as unable to grip the wet ball Mark Lines came in for some agricultural hitting as sensing the game would not last much longer Datchet threw the bat at the ball. However, after 40 overs with the ball saturated and the heavy rain now very much set, the umpires intervened and took the sides off which signalled the end of the game.

As all sides within the League were postponed Windsor still remain top but with three games to go are finally in a position to gain promotion next weekend provided that Windsor record a decent victory over Caversham and Readingensians and third place Reading slip up ironically against Datchet, who need a victory to get out of relegation trouble.