In a must win game against United Banks on Saturday Barrow won the toss and chose to bat first.
Pete Holdaway and Frank Forge opened up and put on a partnership of 100 in the first 20 overs before Pete fell for 38. Frank went on to score his maiden 50 and was eventually dismissed for 65. Scoring then slowed for Barrow as United Banks brought on some canny bowlers, Will Kerswell scored 25 and Mark Gracey 15 before Jordan Allen came in number 6 scoring a burst of runs at the end of Barrow’s innings, 35 from just 13 balls. Barrow ended up on 211 from their 40 overs.
Paul Gard and Mike Lilley opened the bowling attack and immediately put United Banks under pressure as they were only able to score 36 from their first 16 overs. Will Kerswell and Oscar Livesey then took over the bowling but with a useful left hander at the crease Will’s leg spin was less effective and United Banks began to score more quickly. Some poor bowling also helped to increase the run rate and suddenly United Banks were back in it. With some good batting and some fielding errors to help the score along, the match was getting close with only 4 wickets down and the visitors starting to approach the Barrow total. James Halladay and Frank Forge were left with the daunting task of bowling at the death. Both bowled exceptionally well and suddenly wickets came thick and fast. During their spell came 2 catches, 2 bowled, a stumping and a run out in quick succession, of which Frank took 4 wickets! Thus he achieved his best bowling and batting figures in the same match. The innings finished 186 all out and gave Barrow a maximum points victory, putting them second in the league and in the hunt for promotion.