Barrow Gurney 2nds’ recent good run came to an abrupt halt against YMCA 5ths at Hobbs Lane on Saturday.
Batting first YMCA lost a wicket to the first ball of the innings from Mark Fisher but that was the only moment of joy, as first the stylish Cox (52) partnered M Smith for 97 for the second wicket, and then Higgins joined Smith to put on 171 for the third wicket. Higgins made only 33 of them whilst Smith, in a demonstration of sustained clean hitting rarely seen in Division 11, hit 11 6s and 15 4s in his 177 not out. At least 8 balls were lost in all parts of the surrounding countryside. The young Barrow team stuck to their task well despite the carnage. YMCA concluded on 312-4.
With no realistic prospect of chasing such a formidable total, Barrow set off in pursuit of respectability and batting points. Early wickets left Barrow 3-2 and 21-3, before acting captain Jordan Allen (36) and Jonny Sykes (25) staged a bit of a recovery. Connor Jones, returning after some weeks away, made a welcome 50, hitting 10 4s in the process before Frank Forge and Mike Lilley defended stoically to avoid Barrow being bowled out.
Barrow can take comfort that they remain 2nd in the table and with a good run-in might are still in a good position to obtain promotion.