Barrow Gurney 1st XI got off to the best possible start by beating Bath 4ths on Saturday at the scenic Brownswords ground in Bath.
After losing both openers without scoring, Barrow rebuilt with Jonny Sykes (29) and Jordan Allen (32) putting on 57 for the third wicket. When Jonny departed, Ed Holdaway kept up the momentum, hitting one massive six on his way to top-scoring with 43. Skipper, Phil Milton also chipped in with 23 but with wickets falling steadily, Barrow were precariously poised with the total on 184 when the 9th wicket fell.
This was Matt Owen’s cue to play with freedom as he came in No 11 and hit 36 not out in only 24 balls, with 2 sixes, one of which went over the pavilion. His tremendous knock brought Barrow to a close on 232-9 which proved a competitive total.
In the Bath reply, James Riley (2/29) and Ed Holdway (2/37) kept things tight until Oscar Livesey weighed in with 4/26 from his 9 overs which did not fully reflect how well he bowled. With Barrow debutant, Simon Hudson, also contributing with 2/42, the Bath reply seemed to have stalled at 124-8, but the 9th wicket pair were having none of it and gave Barrow a bit of a scare before the innings ended with the score on 196.
A maximum points win was just what the doctor ordered after 2 disappointing seasons and now Barrow 1sts can look forward to their first home game against Bedminster 3rd XI next Saturday.