Windsor give title chasers a scare

Published 15 Jul 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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Ben Harris.

Cricket

WINDSOR gave promotion-chasing Kew a serious fright in Thames Valley League Division One before settling for a low-scoring draw.

Ben Harris almost single-handedly destroyed promotion-chasing Kew with superb figures of 7-52 from 17 overs as the hosts limped to 178 all out.

But Windsor were unable to finish it off and ended 141-8 in reply in deteriorating batting conditions.

Skipper Wes Nichols explained: "The wicket was really unprepared and both captains only gave it three out of six in the ratings.

"It took a lot of turn from the first ball and it was tough going for the batsmen the longer it went on.

"Saying that we should have got them out for less because our penultimate over went for more than 20 runs.

"I think we'd have been alright chasing 150-or-so, we just gave them a few too many."

Kew won the toss but struggled throughout their innings and were 114-8 with Harris in full flow.

But Windsor let them off the hook as Ali Zakari (32) and Kidron Thomas (22) added a quickfire 61 for the ninth wicket to boost their total.

Openers Wes Van den Berg (33) and Arrie Van der Merwe (20) then put on 53 for the first wicket but the visitors failed to capitalise on that solid start, with Vishal Nair (12), Adam Weston (14), Mark Huggins (11), Nichols (14) and Nick Borland (12) getting out at the wrong times.

It was left to Jon San Jose (17no) and Harris to play out the final overs to secure the draw, while Arshad Baig took 4-29 for Kew.

Nichols lamented: "Everyone in the top six got a good start but unfortunately no-one went on to make 50 which was frustrating.

"That's what we needed to see us over the winning line.

"However, not many sides get that close to beating Kew. We played good cricket and Ben Howell bowled tremendously well. It's just a shame we couldn't back him up."

Windsor are hot favourites to beat Maidenhead & Bray at home this Saturday, though Nicholas also warned: "They still have some excellent players and they are well capable of beating us if we're not at our very best."

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 15 Jul 10

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