Windsor 2’s 160 All Out off 51.3 Overs (N. Hussain 5 for 31)
Stoke Green 161 for 1 off 25.3 Overs (S.Patel 102*)
With the weather finally set fair, Windsor 2’s made the short trip to Stoke Green for their Division 4A match. Upon winning the toss, Windsor chose to bat first on what looked to be a wicket suited for their spinners later in the game. This would prove to be the first crucial error.
The Stoke Green bowlers started very strongly. Bowling a containing line and length, they were able to exploit the conditions well and produced prodigious swing and seam. Chana was the first of many Windsor batsmen to loose his patience and was dismissed in the 6th Over. He was followed back to the pavilion in quick order by Huggins, Davis and Malik, all losing their wickets to impatient shots. It was only the patient innings of Jones and Care that steadied the Windsor ship and helped them pass 100. After the loss of Care, Lazaczuk strode to the crease and with a determined approach put the Stoke Green bowlers to the sword. His 37 off 20 balls helped Windsor to a respectable total of 160 All Out off 52 overs.
Patience was again an issue as Stoke Green began their innings, as Davis and Lazaczuk failed to bowl a consistent line and length. Despite picking up an early wicket, Windsor could never slow the run rate and Patel in particular took a liking to the short boundary on the legside. Kellard and Chana both bowled well, but struggled to supress Patel and Bourne from scoring freely. Chances that did come were not taken or dropped just short of the fielders and Windsor began to realise it was not to be their day. Patel brought up his century with a 6 over square off Kellard that also finished the game. Stoke Green won by 9 wickets in a game they had dominated.
Windsor now enter the the last 4 games firmly in the chasing pack still looking for promotion. Now 18 points behind 2nd place, only a positive approach and good performances will see Windsor gain promotion. This week Windsor 2’s entertain Hampton Hill at The Home Park in a must-win game.