Another poor fielding display cost Barrow Gurney First XI on Saturday as they allowed a runaway Long Ashton batting line up to pile on the runs at Hobbs Lane.
Already weakened by several key players being away for the bank holiday weekend, Barrow’s much changed bowling attack was hampered by an early injury to Jonny Sykes which prevented him bowling more than 3 overs. Long Ashton’s skipper, Char Haywood, made 151 as his team amassed 365-4 in their 40 overs courtesy of a good wicket, at least 7 dropped catches and some tired ground fielding as the score mounted. Phil Milton eventually broke the opening partnership with the score on 182, and there were 2 consolation wickets for Barrow captain, Connor Jones, and one for Frank Forge.
Connor Jones bowling against Long Ashton
In reply Jason Cryans showed an intent to give the run chase a go with a quick 44 and that was followed by a barrage of six-hitting by Jonny Sykes, six of the best in all, as he made 56 off only 33 balls. Josh Yelland hit 3 more maximums, but the middle order began to lose wickets regularly and the focus became securing maximum batting points. Thanks to 25 from Guy Fisher that milestone was achieved but the team fell 151 runs short of their target. Barrow hope for a return to winning ways next week at Winterbourne.
The polar opposite of the run fest at Barrow took place at Page Park where Barrow seconds played Hambrook 3s. On an uneven pitch where most balls kept extremely low, the occasional one would bounce alarmingly from a length making batting treacherous. A team weakened by call ups to the Firsts batted bravely but only Ben Hodges (25) and Mark Gracey (15) really stayed in long enough to make a difference, as Barrow were skittled out for 64.
Ben Hodges 3/12 gave Barrow a glimmer of a chance at Page Park
Even with such a low total Barrow skipper felt that the team was in with a shout as Ben Hodges bowled the opener with his first ball and then bowled his full eight overs taking 2 more for only 12 runs. Mike York bowled an immaculate spell at the other end 8 overs 1/19 which kept the pressure on. When Rob Moyse. on debut. took his first wicket, Hambrook were 46-5 and looking nervy. However opening bat, Benjamin Ray rode his luck playing across the line despite the variable bounce and anchored his team to a 5-wicket win. Barrow 2s are still looking for their first win and next week face Oldfield Park at Hobbs Lane.