Windsor’s season got off to a winning start on Saturday when they beat Lincolnshire tourists Moulton Harrox CC by 53 runs in glorious Easter sunshine at Home Park, in what proved to be a useful pre-season workout for both teams.
Winning the toss and batting first, captain Kris Baumgartner was in imperious form, making a mockery of the slow surface. Opening with new overseas Australian Tom Edwards, the pair put on 43 before Edwards was adjudged caught behind for 11, before Baumgartner and the ever relaible Adam Weston then added 96. Baumagrtner seemingly set for a hundred was dismissed for a boundary laden 93, while Weston made an assured 59, putting on 55 with Mark Lines (24), as Windsor finished their 40 overs on 227-8.
Moulton’s innings had a dramatic start when 15 year old paceman Kai Ziemkendorf dug in a short ball to Mike Kearns which reared up catching the opener on the side of head. They breed them tough up in Lincolnshire and Kearns wearing a cap rather than a lid, checked there was no serious damage, dusted himself down, and batted on, pulling Ziemkendorf for a fine six in the next over.
Kearns (24) and Chris Beale13) batted creditably to get to 54 for the first wicket before both were dismissed in quick sucession. The classy Jack Barnett did his best to keep Moulton in the game with a well made 59, but with the run rate climbing thanks to some tight bowling and excellent fielding, the chase became too much for the visitors, ending on 174-5. Chris Dixon was the pick of the Windsor bowlers with 22-2 off his allotted 8 overs. While young Tom Brooker and Mark Lines picked up a wicket each with tidy spells.
This was a good start to season against fine toursits in Moulton Harrox CC. Windsor CC would to thank Moulton for making the trip down to Berkshire, who were a pleasure to host.
This coming weekend Windsor 1st XI host Farnham Royal on Saturday, while the 2’s and 3’s will be hosting teams from the conference – Details to follow..
Pleasingly, after an absence of several seasons, Windsor Sunday 1st XI will also be in action this weekend, hosting Putney CC. Clubhouse and bar will be open so all welcome to come down over the weekend.
