The long-awaited cricket season began at Barrow Gurney with the Hobbs Lane ground looking resplendent in the spring sunshine. After a dry few weeks, the playing area was better than ever and a new outdoor viewing area had been created for volunteers, and ultimately spectators when they are allowed under the Government’s roadmap.
Barrow played 2 friendly warm up games this weekend. On Saturday, visitors Redcliffe exposed the winter rust and lack of indoor practice as Barrow collapsed to 11-5. However, starting where they left off last season, Ed and Ellie Holdaway set about restoring the team’s fortunes. As their partnership developed, they started take full advantage of some loose bowling and Ed motored to a quick half century, his innings ending on 78 shortly after Ellie had been trapped LBW for 36. At 148-7, the game was still in the balance until Connor Jones (42 not out) and David Smith (29 not out) batted really well to lift the total to 217.
In reply Redcliffe never got going with Barrow’s bowlers taking regular wickets, inspired by an early run out by Ed Holdaway. Mark Fisher (2/11), Adam Brace (2/13), Guy Fisher (2/18) and Phil Milton (2/19) shared the wickets evenly. The visitors fell 62 runs short.
On Sunday the Charlton Super Kings powered their way to 278-8 despite the best efforts of off-spinner Oscar Livesey (3/52) and Peter Rooney (2/30). Barrow’s reply stuttered to a disappointing162 all out, with only Oscar (who scored his maiden 50), Jonny Sykes (25) and Bernie Forge (23) providing any resistance.
As Barrow prepares for the forthcoming league season (with teams in Divs 5 & 13 of the Bristol & District League, and Div 4 of the North Somerset Sunday League), training takes place at 6pm on Tuesday evenings, new players are always welcome, please contact barrowgurneycricket@gmail.com for more information.