Farnham Royal 177 all out (Harris 3-20)

lost to

Windsor 178 –2 (R.W. Noble 76*, V.Nair 54*)

Windsor got their Sunday season back on track with a comprehensive 8 wicket success over neighbours Farnham Royal, in a game where Windsor Impressed in all departments.

On a reasonable wicket, which would only get drier, Windsor opted to bowl first, although struggled initially as Ian Pulsford was quickly on to anything short from opening bowlers Ahmed and Birch. However, once Birch had trapped Pulsford in front for 31, Windsor never really lost their grip, playing tight cricket, which resulted in 2 run outs. Ian Bucknell and Dan Simpson tried to get Royal to something respectable but Windsor’s bowlers bowled intelligently. None more so than Ben Harris whose excellent spell of 3-20 off 8 overs was complemented by some excellent work in the field. Weston and Birch both got through 8 overs each, going for under 4 an over, and Farnham Royal’s total of 177 looked a little short of par, on a surface getting better as the day wore on.

In reply, Robert Noble and Harmeet Chana got Windsor off to a good start, putting away the loose ball when offered. After 2 glorious boundaries, Chana chased a wide delivery which probably would have been called a wide, and only succeeded in directing straight to point for 16, with Windsor on 27. Ollie Birch hit a couple of pleasant drives before he had his off stump knocked back, and at 50 –2, Farnham Royal sensed they might be in the game. However, Vishal Nair joined Noble, and the pair gradually took the game away from the visitors. With sound defence and good execution of the loose ball, both batsmen looked increasingly at ease. At the drinks break, Windsor had reached 100-2, and in the early evening sunshine, a relaxed Windsor camp watched Noble and Nair continue to work there way to the 178 needed. Noble reached 50 shortly after drinks, and with Nair growing in confidence, the result never looked in doubt. When Farnham Royal finally turned to some spin it seemed too little too late. Indeed this did put a bit of a brake on the scoring, but with plenty of overs to spare Noble and Nair could afford to be watchful. Young Nair also went to fifty with a couple of big leg side shots which pleased the balcony after a fairly sedate few overs. Victory finally came in the 34th over as Nair pulled a one bounce 4 to the boundary.

As both batsmen walked off in the glorious evening sunshine, they could reflect on a job well done. Noble had soldiered through the whole innings for 76 not out, having been on the field for the entire game, while Nair again showed his considerable promise with an unbeaten 54. This was a good win for Windsor, good tight bowling, keen fielding and a well timed run chase which showed not only the depth of talent Windsor have currently, but also showed an excellent team spirit which bodes well for the future of the club