WINDSOR 2/122 (20 Points)
Birch 59
defeated
FARNHAM ROYAL 119 (3 Points)
Mohindru 4/10
Nichols 4/48
After the bitter disappointment of last weeks game, Windsor were looking to put the past behind them as fellow cellar dwellers Farnham Royal 2’s travelled to Home Park amid glorious June sunshine.
A considerable loss for either side could of put a massive dent on their 2008 chances of staying up in Division 2A, so Windsor looked on this contest as a must win encounter.
Nichols lost his first toss of the league as Farnham Royal elected the bat on a wicket that looks better and better each week, a massive credit to the Waterers ground staff after the problems of last season.
After a steady start, Malloch had Sahdra caught at midwicket by Gregory attempting to pull. A couple of overs later, Nichols has the fellow opener Perkins heading back, after Harris accepted a gentle catch at short cover.
Windsor really applied the screws in the next few overs via determined fielding and disciplined bowling as Nichols then had Choudary LBW and Sahdra bowled to leave the guests 4/26 after 10 overs.
After being in similar positions in the last 3 weeks, Windsor where determined not to let this opportunity slip. A spirited partnership from Van As and Farnham skipper Khan, resurrected things a little. Khan in particular looked to be getting in on the belter of a wicket before Mohindru was introduced the over prior to drinks and found reward right away, as he had Khan LBW playing the sweep to leave the visitors 5/60 after 26.
Immediately after the break, Nichols who was swinging the ball both ways to the batsman’s mirth, captured Gillham bringing former Windsor CC player Pitt to the crease.
He took a liking to the tiring skipper and hit him for some well timed boundaries while Mohindru at the other end, fresh after a stint in the 2nd XI, kept the momentum in Windsor favour as he had Van As caught by Chana at deep square.
The old talisman used his guile to claim another wicket, capturing the dangerous Pitt LBW. It was a welcome return to form for Mohindru, who used his experience to push the ball through, varying his flight to bowl a stump to stump line. If the batsmen missed, they were in trouble.
Just like Nicholas, who gave Mohindru his 4th wicket as he suffered the same fate as 2 other of his team mates, LBW to Mohindru. At the other end. Youngster Harris was brought into the attack, and bowled with intelligence exceeding his years.
A cameo from fellow youngster Singh, was brought to an end, after he hit Harris for 14 runs in the over, went for one to many, gifting Harris his 1st wicket and Chana his 2nd catch, this time at long off to have Farnham Royal all out for 119 after 40 overs.
An early tea was called and Windsor went on the attack right away, with openers Bird and Birch enjoying the batsmen friendly conditions.
Both where scoring freely until Bird was out LBW to Pitt. Chorley did not miss a beat as he hit some superb drives to push the total towards 100. Birch brought up his 50, and was then caught and bowled Sahdra to a brute of a ball that leapt off a length.
This was a small blemish as new batsmen Chana, scored the winning runs via a cover drive for 4, to give the home side their first win of the season.
The win was set up through the great bowling of Malloch, Nichols and Mohindru. The later claimed enviable figures of 4/10 off 7 and the skipper chiming in for 4/48 off 18. Windsor really stuck at it during the middle third of the innings and did not give up when the pitch flattened out and the Farnham side looked to make some inroads to a higher target. It was testimony to the resiliance of the side as in previous weeks, these starts where in vein as Windsor could not keep up the pressure.
In all fairness, Farnham where unable to bring their best side on the day, but Windsor could only play what was in front of them, and an 8 wicket victory inside 65 overs shows the difference between the sides on the day.
The chase was superb as Birch keeps making leaps as a quality opening bat for the club and Chorley highlighted his value by hitting a flawless 40 no to get the side home.
Windor travel to Beaconsfield this week with a new found confidence. The side has found the appropriate bowling mix that going forward should put them in good stead and challenge most sides. Time will tell whether they can keep up the form and consolidate a secure position within the league.