Barrow Gurney newcomer, Will Comley set up Barrow’s 2nd XI’s tense finish with Pucklechurch 2s this week at Hobbs Lane whilst the First XI had a day off as self-isolation hit their league opponents.
Pucklechurch batted first and put together a creditable 183-6 in the face of some accurate bowling. Mike Lilley was particularly miserly conceding only 19 runs in his 8 overs whilst picking up a couple of key wickets. Paul Gard also bowled well for his 2 for 29 whilst off-spinner Oscar Livesey bowled his 8 overs for 24, taking a wicket as well.
Barrow’s reply got off to a steady start as openers Jordan Allen (15) and Ben Skuse (22) led the way but when they and Mark Gracey (21) failed to capitalise on good starts, Barrow began to fall behind the required run rate. Will Comley picked a good time to make his maiden half century for Barrow as he steadily grew in confidence and range of shot, falling for 61 when it looked like he would take the team to victory.
An increasingly nervous partnership then developed between Steve Allen (17 not out) and Mike York (12 not out) who, denied several boundaries by some excellent Pucklechurch fielding, engaged in some enterprising running between the wickets. With one ball to go all 3 results were possible but they managed to squeeze the ball away for the 2 runs needed in an enjoyable game.