Having almost tied a friendly T20 game in midweek, lightening nearly struck twice at Hobbs Lane as Barrow Gurney played Bristol Sri Lankans. The visitors displayed some exceptional clean hitting, taking advantage of the small boundaries to reach a total of 265-7. Only Ed Holdaway (3/37) and Oscar Livesey (also 3/37) had any success in pegging back the batsmen.
In reply Bernie Forge and Ben Skuse opened against a young premier league fast bowler who tested their technique and reactions. Both passed the test putting on 61 before Skuse fell for 18. Whilst Forge held firm, Barrow lost 4 more wickets leaving them 104-5 after 22 overs. Ed Holdaway then joined Bernie and Ed’s expansive hitting, some sharp running, and Bernie stylishly despatching anything loose to the boundary, changed the course of the game. The pair put on 129 until Bernie fell for 78 in search of quick runs having batted 39 overs. With the tension mounting and 8 needed off the last 2 balls, Connor Jones cleared the ropes, before a scrambled single left this great game of cricket tied. Ed remained not out for a magnificent 85
On Sunday Barrow were up against Leema, who also play home fixtures at Hobbs Lane, and this time Barrow batted first. Phil Milton (25) and Guy Fisher got off to a good start and when he was joined by Frank Forge the scoring rate promised a good score. Guy top-scored with 61 whilst Frank (58) reached his half century with a straight six. Leo Brace (22) and Kian Ware (34 not out) brought the total to 246-7.
In reply Leema were cruising at 138-3 when Frank (4/28) turned the game with a stunning hat trick using variation of flight and speed to bowl 2 batsmen before his sister Bernie stumped the third. Mark Fisher (2/20) then finished off proceedings with Leema 39 runs short.
