Barrow Gurney First XI lost their encounter with Bristol Sri Lankans in their top of the table clash in Division 5 of the Bristol & District League.
Barrow put the Sri Lankans into bat and had some early success reducing the visitors to 57-3. But then Amarajeewa Krupa Mudiyanselagae set about using the short boundaries to his advantage as he took on the spinners hitting 12 sixes in his impressive 114. With as score in excess of 300 on the cards, Barrow’s seamers fought back. With Ed Holdaway (3/31) being particularly impressive. Mark Fisher took 2 for 23, Guy Fisher 2/35 whilst there was a wicket apiece for Nick Heal and Jonny Sykes. A couple of dropped catches, too many wides and a controversial umpiring decision cost Barrow and, in the end the total that they were facing, 263, was a challenging target.
Ed Holdaway took 3 for 31
Jason Cryans and Jordan Allen opened up and with the Sri Lankans bowling well Barrow were in early trouble. Jordan (6) was bowled by a leg stump yorker, Bernie Forge (10) by one that kept low and Ed Holdaway (4) got a good bouncer and was caught at mid-wicket. Jason was caught at long on (for 21) shortly after. Guy Fisher (10) hit a couple of boundaries then played all round one and was bowled leaving Barrow 60-5 and with a lot of work to do. Josh Yelland dug in and was playing well with Kieran Owen sticking with him they put on 54 before Josh was caught at long on for a brilliant counter attacking 52, pushing on as the rate increased. Kieran went shortly after with the score on 117 and Barrow were now 7 down after a mix up with Mark Fisher and a run out. The tail wagged with Mark caught at long on for 24, Nick Heal also caught for 21 and Jonny Sykes and Frank Forge putting on 42 in very quick time until Jonny was caught long on 51 runs short of the target with 3 overs left. Jonny hitting a very rapid 31 off 12 balls and Forge ending 14 not out.
Josh Yelland top-scored for Barrow with 52
Barrow remain in second place, after getting full bonus points, but are in need of some good results in the next couple of weeks.
Barrow Seconds were without a game as their opposition conceded.