Following several poor results, Barrow Firsts went into Saturday’s game desperately needing to beat Redcliffe in order to put some breathing space between them and the bottom two. As usual Phil Milston lost the toss and Redcliffe put Barrow into bat first on a belter of a wicket, Bernie Forge and Sam Turner opening up. Bernie, coming off the back of some good scores, opted to take the first ball however she was undone by the experienced Jason Louds as he lost his run up but duly delivered the ball anyway. Bernie unfortunately plopped the ball straight to mid-on. Phil came in at 3, an unaccustomed high position based on his form, but he scored a season high of 38 having put on nearly a 100 for the 2nd wicket with Sam. Ed Holdaway, came and went for 4, bringing Jordan Allen to the crease. Jordan began fluently and Sam was now in the 90’s and duly brought his maiden 100 with a lovely cover drive for 4, before he was eventually run out for 108. An absolutely fantastic innings, well batted Sam. Jordan scored 32 before he too was run out going for a second after he had run well past the keeper on the first run. Premil Torrington and James Riley got Barrow up to 225 for 7.
Riley and Matt Owen opened the bowling and Matt was unlucky not to pick a wicket in his first over after Phil shelled one behind the stumps but he struck in his second as Jordan held a good one at gully. Things got better as the same combination struck again and Phil held one as well off Riley leaving Redcliffe wobbling 3 down. Bernie, fielding at slip, took a really good catch off of and Premil bowled the number 4, Ed picked up one with Jordan taking his third catch leaving them 6 down. However, Barrow struggled in the middle overs as Redcliffe hit some big shots and the home team had no answers as Redcliffe got above the run rate. Riley came back on and took a wicket first ball and another in his second over leaving Redcliffe now 8 down. Redcliffe continued to fight moving past 150 and then 175 but Premil took a fantastic diving forward roll catch and Ed finally bowled the number 11 as Redcliffe finished 191 all out in the 37th over.
After several weeks in which Barrow have only performed in 2 of the 3 disciplines finally they produced with bat, ball and in the field. The win brings them closer to the pack and away from the bottom. Next week is home to second bottom Lodway, another must win game.