Chipperfield 221-5 (40 overs)

Beat

Windsor 166 all out ( 35.2 overs)

On 22nd June, Windsor made the lengthy journey to Chipperfield as part of their Sunday league programme, where found excellent facilities and a pleasant location. Chipperfield won the toss, and Windsor’s rather inexperienced opening attack of Usman Ahmed and Sam Jordan, failed to make early inroads as Chipperfield’s openers enjoyed the easy paced wicket and the all to regular loose ball. It was tough going for Windsor who despite working hard in the field, faced an uphill battle to contain their hosts. Captain Umar Malik had little bowling at his disposal, trying out Vignesh Venkatragaman and Dave Riches before he turned to himself to finally get the breakthrough with a caught and bowled with the score on 113. Despite a good spell from Malik, and leg spinner Chris Kellard, who was intelligently used to bowl the last 8 overs, Chipperfield ended their allotted 40 overs on 221-5. Indeed this could have been a lot more if it wasn’t for some spirited fielding and restrictive slow bowling towards the end of the innings.

Windsor’s reply got off to a positive start with Harmeet Chana and Robert Noble working the ball around well in pleasant late afternoon sunshine. However with the score on 38, and on the verge of greater things, Noble nicked on behind. This was a story of the innings as Chana scored runs steadily from one end, only to loose partners just as they were getting set. After Noble’s departure, Riches, Doye, Malik and Nair all played all to brief cameos. Chana went on to a well deserved 50, but by the time Jordan had been run out, and wicketkeeper Care had been undone by a slower ball, the game was up for Windsor. Chana finally fell for a battling 71, but this was the only innings of real substance, and Windsor were finally all out for 166.

This was a enjoyable days cricket, at a nice location. Windsor with a rather limited side had certainly not disgraced themselves but ultimately fell some way short of challenging Chipperfields total. They needed a bowler or 2 more, and needed a couple of batsmen to support the man in form. This however should not detract from a good team spirit which no doubt will bounce back soon.