Windsor cruise to victory over local rivalsDatchet 2
Datchet 2 173 All Out off 41.1 Overs (Lancefield 55, Jackson 33 - Hill 3/22; Jones 3/47)
Windsor 2 176 for 4 off 38.1 Overs (Huggins 46*, George 42 – Lancefield 3/23)
With local bragging rights up for grabs, Windsor 2nd Team entertained Datchet 2nd team at The Home Park last weekend. After a week of wonderful weather, the rain of the morning made little difference and the wicket looked to be hard but green.
Upon winning the toss, Datchet skipper Kenny chose to bat first. Datchet began very strongly with the unorthodox stroke-play of Jackson defying a belligerent opening spell of Hill and Edge. Edge repeatedly passing the outside of the Datchet bats, but finished his 10 overs wicket less, despite one very close appeal. Hill managed to pick up two wickets in his opening 8 overs, but by the end of his first spell Datchet we well set on 50 for 2 after 16 overs. The introduction of the leg-spin of Mahmud Mirza suddenly saw a dramatic reward as Jackson skied a chance to deep mid-wicket that Hill confidently gobbled up. After taking a second Datchet wicket, Mirza was then struck out of the attack by a counter-attack by Lancefield and Stapleburg.
At the drinks break, Datchet had reached 112 for 4 off 24 overs and looked well set for a competitive total. As often is the case, drinks only brought a wicket as Stapleburg was removed by a juggling catch by Davis at mid-wicket. Lancefield continued to counter-attack, but with Davis and Jones regularly picking up wickets, his 55 was the only remaining contribution to the Datchet total. When Hill returned and removed Datchet captain Kenny with his first delivery, Datchet were all out for 174 in the 41st over.
After yet another quality tea, Windsor took the field looking to knock off the 175 runs needed to reach the victory line. Both Huggins and Bird looked positive from the off, picking up regular boundaries and the odd quick single to keep the scoreboard ticking along. However, the two quick wickets of Bird (8) and Chana (0), saw Stapleburg put Windsor firmly onto the defensive. Nair joined Huggins and together they built a strong 50 partnership and moved Windsor towards a winning position. But the introduction of Lancefield captured the wickets of Nair (23), Davis (0) and Junaid (11) in the space of a few short overs and put the Windsor innings under threat of collapsing. Fortunately, the counter-attacking style of George (42 not out) and support of Huggins (46 not out) managed to created a final resolute partnership that took Windsor over the finish line with 7 overs to spare.
Another good win for Windsor creates another opportunity to build on small errors that occurred in the game. On the fielding side, the key will be to support our players through basic skills and not through conveying of disappointment. With the bat the key will be to avoid mini-collapses which slow the tempo and create partnerships to help the flow of the innings.
This Saturday, Windsor 2nds play there last pre-league season friendly against Princes Riseborough 1st XI at Home Park. With their division packed with 1st XI opposition, this will provide a strong test prior to the start of a competitive campaign.
Windsor 2 176 for 4 off 38.1 Overs (Huggins 46*, George 42 – Lancefield 3/23)
With local bragging rights up for grabs, Windsor 2nd Team entertained Datchet 2nd team at The Home Park last weekend. After a week of wonderful weather, the rain of the morning made little difference and the wicket looked to be hard but green.
Upon winning the toss, Datchet skipper Kenny chose to bat first. Datchet began very strongly with the unorthodox stroke-play of Jackson defying a belligerent opening spell of Hill and Edge. Edge repeatedly passing the outside of the Datchet bats, but finished his 10 overs wicket less, despite one very close appeal. Hill managed to pick up two wickets in his opening 8 overs, but by the end of his first spell Datchet we well set on 50 for 2 after 16 overs. The introduction of the leg-spin of Mahmud Mirza suddenly saw a dramatic reward as Jackson skied a chance to deep mid-wicket that Hill confidently gobbled up. After taking a second Datchet wicket, Mirza was then struck out of the attack by a counter-attack by Lancefield and Stapleburg.
At the drinks break, Datchet had reached 112 for 4 off 24 overs and looked well set for a competitive total. As often is the case, drinks only brought a wicket as Stapleburg was removed by a juggling catch by Davis at mid-wicket. Lancefield continued to counter-attack, but with Davis and Jones regularly picking up wickets, his 55 was the only remaining contribution to the Datchet total. When Hill returned and removed Datchet captain Kenny with his first delivery, Datchet were all out for 174 in the 41st over.
After yet another quality tea, Windsor took the field looking to knock off the 175 runs needed to reach the victory line. Both Huggins and Bird looked positive from the off, picking up regular boundaries and the odd quick single to keep the scoreboard ticking along. However, the two quick wickets of Bird (8) and Chana (0), saw Stapleburg put Windsor firmly onto the defensive. Nair joined Huggins and together they built a strong 50 partnership and moved Windsor towards a winning position. But the introduction of Lancefield captured the wickets of Nair (23), Davis (0) and Junaid (11) in the space of a few short overs and put the Windsor innings under threat of collapsing. Fortunately, the counter-attacking style of George (42 not out) and support of Huggins (46 not out) managed to created a final resolute partnership that took Windsor over the finish line with 7 overs to spare.
Another good win for Windsor creates another opportunity to build on small errors that occurred in the game. On the fielding side, the key will be to support our players through basic skills and not through conveying of disappointment. With the bat the key will be to avoid mini-collapses which slow the tempo and create partnerships to help the flow of the innings.
This Saturday, Windsor 2nds play there last pre-league season friendly against Princes Riseborough 1st XI at Home Park. With their division packed with 1st XI opposition, this will provide a strong test prior to the start of a competitive campaign.