Dr Jekyll and Windsor 2’s

Windsor 2nd XI 106 all out; 35 Overs
Cove 2nd XI 107 for 1; 25 Overs (L.Voyce 50)

After last weeks resounding victory over Amersham, Windsor 2’s headed to newly promoted Cove 2’s looking to pick up their first away win of the season. However, thing did start well as the team arrived at the ground late and stand in skipper Huggins lost the toss as Windsor were asked on what looked to be a soft, green wicket.

The innings got off to the worst possible start as Noble departed for 2 offering a simple chance to the fielder at gully. Patel and Huggins then set about rebuilding the innings. However, progress was slow as the Cove openers continued to bowl with good discipline whilst finding plenty of swing and seam on offer. Next to depart was Patel to a smart catch at first slip for a well made 33. This brought overseas player Weston to the crease who looked to push the innings along and the game was evenly poised as Windsor went to drinks at 68 – 2. However, skipper Huggins departed to a dubious LBW decision 2nd ball after drinks and Windsor again found themselves on the back foot. This then brought about a massive batting collapse in the Windsor order through a combination of accurate bowling and loose shots as they went from 81 – 3 to 104 all out with Weston the only other player to reach double figures. McNeil was the pick of the bowlers returning figures the excellent figures of 17-3-27-5. Windsor went to tea knowing that a score of 104 was well below par on a wicket that despite offering assistance to the bowlers was by no means treacherous.

In reply the Cove innings got off to swift reply as Windsor went for broke. Despite the wicket still offering the bowlers plenty of assistance the Windsor openers struggled to bowl with accuracy shown by the Cove attack. Windsor also knew that to stand any chance in this game they have to take all their chances, but, this was not the case as Nobel dropped a regulation chance at slip off the bowling of Birch as Windsor started to sense this was defiantly not going to be their day. Windsor rotated their bowlers as they went in search of the break through which eventually came as Rhodes holed out to Birch a long off the bowling of Kellard. This proved to be Windsor’s only success as Cove cantered home to victory in the 25th over. Cove thoroughly deserved their victory comprehensively outplaying Windsor in all three departments.

Windsor will need to focus on playing consistent disciplined cricket over the coming weeks if they are to make any impression in the league this year.