Slough 3rd XI 202 for 7 52 overs (Chagger 50, Uddin 62)
Windsor 2nd XI 185 All Out 46.3 overs (Chana 62, Murray 55)
After the thrills and spills of the game the previous week, Windsor 2’s looked to get back into winning ways with their short trip to Slough. On what looked to be a hard deck, Slough 3’ chose to bat first, with what proved to be a view to spinning their visitors out.
The Slough innings started in the worst possible way as both openers were dismissed cheaply by Hill. With the occurrence of Windsor’s Taz bowling at Slough’s Taz, the innings settled into a more settled pattern as Karim and Chagger took a hold of anything loose served up by Hill and Condon. Davis replaced Condon and immediately found the ball cutting off the seam, which helped to slow the score and saw the removal of Karim for 27. Skipper Chagger continued to build the score, but with Kellard producing prodigious spin at one end, Davis was able to remove him shortly after passing 50. Unfortunately, the next 15 overs would prove to be costly for Windsor as a number of catches were shelled and run-outs narrowly missed and Slough fought their way towards a competitive total through the partnership of Uddin (62) and Ghazi (35). Slough finished their innings on 202 for 7 off their 52 overs.
In reply, Windsor got off to the worst possible start. With Slough opening with spinners and using the old ball, Windsor quickly found themselves at 20 for 3. With Huggins, Gould and Mirza all dismissed cheaply to the fine bowling of Kahn and Mustafa. It took a fantastic partnership from Chana and Murray to put Windsor back into the game and both reached fine fifties. However, with the Slough heads down and a winning position in sight, Windsor managed to bring about disaster. First Murray was run out after a mix-up (which could only be settled by a mid-pitch chat) saw him run out with yards to spare for 55. Then, shortly after, Chana inexplicably walked past a straight one and was bowled for 62. With George and Davis briefly restabilising the innings, it was the wicket of Davis that saw the start of the final disastrous collapse. Hill, Condon and Care all quickly followed the skipper, leaving number 11 Kellard to help George bat out the final 6 overs. Despite a valiant effort, Uddin managed to gain the final decision and had Kellard lbw with 8 balls left. Windsor had collapse to a 41 run defeat.
This was an incredibly disappointing result for the Windsor 2nd team, but one that can be addressed through hard work as a team. Windsor this week face top of the table Stoke Green at the Home Park, looking to restore some confidence with a good performance.