Barrow Gurney 1st XI delivered a clinical performance to defeat Chew Valley CC by 45 runs in a high-scoring encounter in the Bristol & District Cricket Association Fourth Division.
After electing to bat, Barrow’s innings was powered by a masterful century from captain Ed Holdaway, who struck 103 off 84 balls, including 14 fours and 4 sixes. Opening partner Jason Cryans supported well with a brisk 53 off 44 as the pair raced to a 142-run opening stand. Guy Fisher added late acceleration with a quickfire 46* ably supported by Ben Hodges (31) in a partnership of 81 lifting Barrow to a formidable 291-5 from their 40 overs.
Chew Valley’s reply stumbled early getting to 50-3 thanks for a good catch by Ed taking the dangerous Dawson (41 off 38) at cow corner, Kieran Owen getting former BGCC player Bernie Forge caught down the legside, then Mark Fisher taking a caught and bowled. A counter-attacking 107-run partnership between David Lawrence (64 off 40) and Steve Ive (60 off 62) reignited their hopes. Lawrence, the key danger man, looked ominous before he was dismissed by Nick Heal—a crucial breakthrough that shifted the tide firmly back toward Barrow after drinks.
From there, the home side tightened their grip. Frank Forge ripped through the lower order, taking a superb 5 for 31, while spinner Mark Fisher chipped in with 2 wickets and 3 catches in the field. Wicketkeeper Ben Hodges had a day to remember with the gloves, claiming three catches and two sharp stumpings in a standout display behind the sticks
Bristol CC 4th XI secured a 71-run victory over Barrow Gurney CC 2nd XI in a match dominated by two outstanding individual performances — Harry Bird’s blistering 154 and a maiden century from Barrow Gurney’s Will Thompson.
After being sent into bat, Bristol made the most of a flat track and small boundaries, piling on 337-7 from their 40 overs. Opener Harry Bird led the charge with a commanding innings of 154, combining composure with aggression to anchor the innings. Sai Patel added 69 in support, and despite some resistance from Barrow’s bowlers — notably Peter Rooney (2-44) — extras once again proved costly, contributing 42 to the Bristol total.
In reply, Barrow Gurney lost early wickets but were lifted by a superb maiden century from Will Thompson, who struck an authoritative 140 to keep his side in the hunt. However, the target proved too steep as regular wickets and disciplined spells from Harry Bird (2-34) and Ellis Hall (2-60) stifled the chase. Despite an unbeaten 64 from Linden Alway, Barrow Gurney finished on 266-5, falling short but taking credit for a strong batting effort.