Harris seven-wicket haul seals seventh straight win

Ben Harris turned in a match-winning performance with his off-spinners as Windsor CC fought back against Finchampstead 2nds to roll over their rivals for a paltry 45.

The leaders could have seen their six-match winning run halted by Finch, who are also chasing top spot.

However, Windsor are made of sterner stuff these days, according to captain Wes Nichols.

He said: “Even though we only scored 170 and gifted them an extra 15 overs, I was always confident we could do well if we got among the top order early.

“We needed to get Gary Loveday out, which we did, and then bowled well with an attacking field.”

Star of the show was 18-year-old Harris who ended the day with an impressive haul of 7-32.

Nichols said of the young bowler: “The pitch at Windsor is not turning as much as it will later on, but there are some bare patches and Ben was able to make the most of them.

“He is an aggressive bowler and every couple of overs bowls a real dynamite of a ball. With three guys under lids ready for the catch, it proved too much for Finch.”

Earlier in the match, Windsor had fought back from 6-4 thanks to a fine partnership between Bevan Malloch and Oliver Birch, although some ‘pathetic shots’, as Nichols called them, ensured Windsor only lasted 37 overs.

Windsor reach the halfway stage in their TVL Division 2A campaign with a derby against Datchet at London Road on Saturday.

Both teams know each other’s strengths, although Nichols was certain where his focus lies.

He said: “They bat all the way down, but Tim Alldis is the best bat in the league and we have to get him early.”