Windsor vs. Chalfont St.Peter

Chalfont St.Peter 171 all out
Windsor 175 -4

Dynamic Windsor get league campaign off to perfect start

In their first league game of the year, Windsor sunday 1st’s enjoyed a comprehensive win over Chalfont, with a performance that was notable for some good bowling, dynamic fielding and a highly efficient run chase.

On a pitch that was slighter harder than the previous day, bit by no means a batting paradise, Chalfont won the toss and batted on a sun bathed Home Park. Before the game, new captain Wes Nichols explained to his mostly young side that the emphasis was to use sundays as devopment and progression. This emphasis was quickly put into practice as Windsor’s opening bowlers Kev Condon and John Holmes both bowled good opening spells backed by highly vocal and keen fielding. Chalfont lost their first wicket when Condon snared the opener down the legside, with Martin Care pulling off a neat catch. Chalfonts number 3 looked a class act with several seering drives but with the score on 41-1, a calamitous mix up saw him at same end as his partner, and despite a frantic effort to back the bowlers end, Noble’s throw to Condon saw him run out. Some may call that luck, but a combination of dot balls and tight in-fielding had led to Chalfonts frustration and ultimately, this run out. Windsor never really lost their grip and cotinued to keep their cricket tight. Lewis and Nicholls both took a wicket each, while Jordan Thompson continued his fine start at Windsor by bowling a tidy spell of left arm Medium pace. In Chalfonts middle order, Khan led some good restiance with a fine 50 but wickets fell at the other end, Spinners Kellard and Alam both picking up good wickets. Another run out ended the Chalfont innings, as they closed on 171. Windsor had a fine job first half. Good bowling and fielding backed by good catches from Malik, Condon, Thompson and keeper Martin Care, who kept wicket virtually without flaw, promping some observers to ask why he was currently playing 4th team saturday cricket.

With 172 needed in 40 overs and the wicket starting to resemble something like a half decent batting surface, drying under the early sumer sunshine, Windsor begun their run chase with Rob Noble and Kevin Condon, knowing that sensible cricket would see Windsor home. These two follwed their captains instructions, saw off the new ball without alarm and started to move the score along. Kev Condon in particular played some sparkling shots all round the wicket. A welcome sight from a talented player. By the time Condon was bowled for 37, Windsor had 62 on the board and the ideal foundaion. Alam came to partner Noble and sraight away took the the attack to Chalfont. Windsor had soon passed 100, and victory was in sight when Alam was bowled trying hit a 3rd 6, for 47. Noble at the other end was happy to play the anchor role and with the score on 151-2 with just 21 needed he set off a rather ambitious single and was run out for a patient 45. Umer Malik was then bowled for 5 and Windsor finished the game with Nicholls and Weston pushing Windsor over the finishing line with 4 overs to spare.

This was a good win for what could possibly described as a Windsor Development xl.Everbody had played their part and the side was well led by Wes Nicholls, whose tactical instinct and player management had been ,by universal agreement, outstanding.

If this a sign of things to come for Windsor sunday cricket then a good season looms.