On Thursday James Mitchell was the stand-in skipper for the game against the touring New Ash Green CC. The visitors batted first. Matt Owen and Mark Fisher opened the bowling and hit decent lines and lengths, ensuring New Ash Green got off to a slow start but on a good batting wicket and quick outfield, their openers grew in confidence and put together a stand of 147 in 30 overs. Finally their stand was broken with their opener Barlett falling for 56 (with three different bats) to a Mark Fisher yorker. Although when the score is 147 – 1 you don’t really want to see a batsman walking out to the middle that scored a century against you last year. However, he also fell in quick succession to Mark Fisher (2-35) as he spooned a catch up in the air. The last ten overs were action packed with 7 wickets falling, two dropped catches and 67 runs being scored. Oscar Livesey picked up two quick wickets including the other opener for 72 and had bowled impressively throughout the innings, maintaining good line and length, getting some spin, and bowling to his field. He ended with 2 for 38 off 9 overs. The two Owens, Kieran and Matt bowled well at the death, despite a dropped catch from Daddy Owen, Steve. Kieran (2-45) removed the dangerous Payne and then missed a chance to grab a hat trick by bowling a no ball! The innings ended with a solid total of 216 for 7 off 40 overs.
After a lovely tea, Frank Forge and Guy Fisher opened up against some pretty accurate bowling. Unfortunately, Frank fell early to a good catch in the slips. Johnny Sykes fell in quick succession, marred with some controversy. Guy Fisher then also fell for 11 and we were soon aproximately 20 for 3. Steve Owen and James Mitchell rebuilt the innings and managed to put on a stand of around 140. James fell towards the end for 108. Steve also fell quickly for an excellent 48. This brought in James Halladay who smacked several fours before falling by running halfway down the wicket and turning a normal ball into a head high full toss!
Anyway, this got Barrow down to the last over with four required. Kieran Owen calmly clipped the first ball of the over off his legs for four to win the game. A good game of cricket played in the right spirit and New Ash Green are keen to come back next year. Also, thanks to the – self-proclaimed – ‘Barrow Gurney’s Billy Bowden’ (Oscar) who umpired for 30 overs.