Barrow Gurney’s 1st XI were looking forward to getting their season underway last Saturday with a visit to Bristol West Indians & Phoenix. With new captain, Paul Glazzard, at the helm, this was a new-look team having lost 3 key players from last year. However, Sam Turner, whose availability was very limited in 2016, was back in the side and there were opportunities for some of last year’s successful 2nds to step up.
Losing the toss, Barrow found themselves inserted and, with Ali Hood departing early, soon needed to rebuild. The new skipper (28) joined Sam (38) to put on a much-needed partnership of 72, before Sam was bowled. With Paul departing soon after Barrow needed a further rebuilding job, which Ben Skuse and James Riley began, two left handers of different styles and tempo. A useful partnership of 44 took the score to 162 when Riley fell. Unfortunately, the lower order were unable to muster much resistance and Barrow were bowled out for 181.
The total was always going to be hard to defend and, although James Riley removed one opener with the score on 33, Christian Barrow anchored the innings with 61 off 102 balls. Although Riley struck 3 times in all (3/32 all bowled), and there were wickets for the skipper, Matt Owen and Nick Heal, the home side comfortably knocked off the runs with 4 wickets and 4 overs to spare.
Barrow had the consolation of obtaining 7 bonus points, and next week look forward to entertaining Failand & Portbury who won their first game of the season.