Barrow Gurney First XI returned to form with a convincing 8 wicket win over Brislington 3rd XI at Hobbs Lane to put them in equal second place in B&D Division 5.
Asked to field in searing heat, and missing a couple of regular bowlers, Barrow’s attack stepped up to put the visitors under pressure immediately as Jonny Sykes (2/22) dismissed one of the Brislington openers. Coming on first change Connor Jones struck with two quick wickets and with a runout courtesy of some alert work from Jason Cryans, Brislington were soon 56-4.
As pace gave way to spin, the total slowly began to tick along but both Guy Fisher (1/32) and Nick Heal (1/34) took wickets in their 8 over spells, then Frank Forge (1/36) deceived Ian Thomas (48) having him stumped by sister Bernie behind the wickets. Jones was then recalled to the attack to finish off the innings by taking 2 wickets in 2 balls to finish with the impressive figures of 4/14. Brislington finished on 184 all out.
Mark Brown launches another 6 on his way to a match-winning 98 not out
Barrow suffered an early setback losing Kieran Owen for 2 and Bernie Forge for 11. However, the nerves of the Barrow supporters were soon dispelled as Jason Cryans and Mark Brown began to develop a partnership and, Brown, in particular, was soon playing some expansive shots. Their partnership of 171 took Barrow home to victory with 12 overs to spare. Brown was tantalisingly close to his century, ending the game with his fifth 6 to finish 98 not out of only 82 balls. He was ably supported by Cryans who also made a half century – finishing 52 not out.
Jason Cryans offered good support making 52 not out
Barrow 2s were in Timsbury playing their 3rd XI. Barrow toiled in the heat against Neil Hulford who was given at least 2 lives during a bludgeoning 115. As the bowlers toiled in the heat and the team leaked 41 extras, the home side’s total of 190 should have been substantially less as no other batsman made a significant contribution. Dave Smith took 2/26 and Paul Gard 2/30, with wickets too for Adam Brace, Alan Webb, Phil Milton and Peter Rooney.
Barrow 2s endured the heat at Timsbury
Phil Milton then continued his good form of late with 56, but only Ali Hood (15) and Adam Brace (17 not out) offered much resistance as the tired batting line up limped to 117 all out to end any outside hopes of promotion.