Barrow Squander Their Chances To Set Up Must Win Game Next Week

Barrow Gurney came out on the wrong side of another close game at Abbots Leigh last Saturday.

 

Batting first Barrow lost 3 early wickets before opening bat Kieran Owen found some good support from Ed Holdaway (28) in a fifty partnership. Owen batted almost throughout the innings being run out in an effort to get some late runs for a battling 75. Jordan Allen (10), Mark Fisher (16) and Jonny Sykes (10 not out) all helped Owen push the score to 185-8 at the close.

In contrast, the home side set out in search of their target with an opening stand of 52 before Ed Holdaway struck with the first of his three wickets (3/35), Connor Jones (2/17) also bowled well, whilst a wicket apiece for Mark Fisher, Nick Heal and Matt Owen forced Abbots Leigh to 8 wickets down with still 20 needed. Home skipper Jon Banks though took his team home with only 4 balls to spare. Barrow were left to ponder what might have been if they had taken some of the numerous chances that were offered during the innings.

The defeat now leaves Barrow with a crucial game against promotion rivals Frenchay 2s next week with only a win giving Barrow a final chance of securing a promotion spot.

 

Barrow seconds were blighted with injury, and a late withdrawal which left the team fielding against high flying Old Bristolians 4ths with only 10 players at Hobbs Lane. Nathan Williams’ 128 not out led the visitors to a total of 266-6. Adam Brace was the most successful Barrow bowler with 3/50, whilst Steve Owen took 2/37. Mike York also took a wicket on his return after a serious knee injury caused him to miss much of the season.

 

A family emergency calling another Barrow player away at tea, left Barrow with only 9 to bat and they were all used as Barrow mustered only 108 in reply. Paul Gard (33) and Peter Rooney (28) made a good opening stand but only Mike York (15) offered much further resistance. 4 points for a depleted team was perhaps as good as might have been expected.