Windsor fall to first defeat of season.

Marlow Park (240-5, Answeri 126) (52 overs)
Windsor 175 all out (41 overs)

For the first time in 1071 days Windsor lost in a league game to another 2nd XI although with Slough and Reading both taking the opportunity to slip up as well, Windsor still maintain a healthy lead at the top of the league.

Electing to bat Marlow got off to a very slow start with Alex Hill unfortunate on quite a few occasions and after dismissing captain Ashton and Poteger Marlow were 50-2 from 26 overs. However, new player Answeri after taking a while to get off the mark began to get after the scoring with gusto making good use of the short boundaries and lightening fast outfield. Motoring past 50 Woodward and Lines can in for some unfortunate tap from their bowling and even the recalled Edge and Hill couldn’t stop the flow. A sickening injury then marred the game slightly as Cassidy played a thunderous on drive which caught Answeri square in the temple and the game was held up for some considerable time for him to receive treatment. Against the advice of both teams however, he continued to bat although understandably not quite as fluidly and finally Edge made the break through as he departed for a superb 126, allowing Marlow to reach 240 from their allotted overs.

Windsor’s reply started well with Abdul Ashraf looking in good nick and together with Rob Noble after 21 overs Windsor’s reply was looking good at 83-0. However after 24 overs at 87-5 it wasn’t looking so good as Ashraf, Noble, Nigel Wing, Dave Richies and Tom Bullock were all back in the pavilion. Windsor consolidated with Richard Noble and Stephen Eggenhuizen and the recovery got stronger the longer they stayed at the crease. However, both fell within a few balls of each other and needing 7.5 an over for the last 10 overs Windsor had no choice than to keep going for the runs, however after reaching a batting point at 175 youngster Mark Lines was run out for Marlow to wrap the game up.

Windsor look to get back to winning ways next week at home to Datchet, with an early start time of 12.30.