Windsor 181-8 (Borg 68)
Ruislip 173-9 (Chambers 29-5)
In what is becoming a frankly, very annoying habit, Windsor 2’s again had a team 9 wickets down but failed to get over the line, this time getting the better end of a draw against fellow strugglers Ruislip. Losing the toss Windsor were asked to bat first, and although application and and dedication was asked for from the top order it seemed only stubborn Aussie Ray Borg really listened as once again too many of the top order were found wanting. Borg’s gritty knock saw him keep his head as all around were losing theres and at 68-5, it looked like a decent score was some way away. Borg passed his 50 with help from Mark Lines as Windsor went past 100 but after Borg went for 68 it was a dash from the lower order of Edge, Hill, and especially Baumgartner that got Windsor to a defendable 181, although the pitch looked more 210 for par.
A strong headwind meant it was going to be hard work for one of the Mike’s Chambers or Peacock and although Chambers with the wind was finding good line and length, it wasn’t really working for Peacock and the experienced Hill took over after 4 overs as the quicks were rotated. Breakthroughs did come though especially via a superb stumping stood up to Baumgartner from Hill and it was Ruislip’s left hander Bell who anchored their innings and at the halfway mark Ruislip were 64-4 and it was anyone’s game. Edge replaced Hill to try to tie an end up and the spin of Lines was introduced and during this phase a couple of reasonably straightforward chances going down as well as a few half chances not being converted would be quite telling in the final analysis. Going into the last 7 overs Ruislip needed 8 an over with 4 wickets in hand and some lusty blows looked like they were in with a chance, however Chambers recalled from the Castle end made the breakthrough and when Alex Hill had Bell caught for 63, it left Ruislip needing 15 off the last over with 3 wickets in hand. A huge six off the first ball made it interesting but Hill kept his nerve and took two wickets in the over and with the game up and the field crowded round the bat, Ruislip’s no.11 managed to defend the last ball to and end another exciting but winless game for Windsor.
