A local derby at Hobbs Lane saw Blagdon CC 1st XI edge out Barrow Gurney CC 1st XI in a closely fought encounter, winning by 15 runs.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Blagdon posted 179-9 from their allotted 40 overs a below par score given recent weeks. The innings was built on solid contributions through the batting order. James Roscow (30) and George Wills (29) laid the early platform with a 50-run partnership, while Michael Duckworth’s unbeaten 28 down the order proved crucial in nudging the total towards 180.
Barrow’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Frank Forge the pick of the bunch, taking 3-33 from his 8 overs. He was well supported by Kieran Owen (2-51) and Mark Fisher (2-33), Guy Fisher (1-22) and James Plowman (1-19).
In reply, Barrow Gurney started shakily with opener Ben Skuse falling for a duck, but recovered well thanks to Ed Holdaway’s fine 50 (off 48 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes) and a 30 from Josh Yelland. At 102 – 2 Barrow looked home and hosed however a vicious collapse ensued.
Neerujan Parameswaran was the chief destroyer for Blagdon, claiming 4-23 in a match-winning spell with plenty of in swing and targeting the pads. He was ably supported by skipper Haydon Lyons (3-33), whose wickets were key in turning the game.
Barrow were eventually bowled out for 164 in 35.2 overs, falling 15 runs short despite some resistance for the last wicket before Chris Milton batting on one leg was adjudged LBW.
Barrow Gurney 2nd XI had a tough day out playing Bedminster 5’s at Chew Stoke Cricket Club on Saturday as Bedminster won by 8 wickets.
Barrow Gurney CC’s decision to bat first after winning the toss quickly backfired as Bedminster’s bowlers put on a clinical display to dismantle the batting order.
The innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling in quick succession. Ashton Chritchlow and James Mcwilliam spearheaded the attack, sharing seven wickets between them. Chritchlow bowled with precision and control, returning superb figures of 8 overs, 3 maidens, 4 wickets for just 20 runs. Mcwilliam was equally effective, taking 3 for 18 from his 5 overs. Jake Boud then polished off the tail with 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 2.3 overs as Barrow Gurney were bowled out for 45.
Only one batter, Niveshan Satgunanantham, managed to reach double figures, top-scoring with 20. The rest of the line-up struggled, with five batters dismissed without scoring. Fielding was sharp from Bedminster, with five catches taken to back up their bowlers.
Chasing a modest target of 46, Bedminster’s openers started confidently. David Chorley reaching 25 not out, while Benny Bruce added a brisk 19 before falling to a catch off Adam Brace (1-19). Dave Smith (1-5) also claimed a scalp before Bedminster reached their target after 12 overs.