Barrow Gurney 2nds started their 2017 campaign at home against Bedminster 5ths. Skipper Ellie Holdaway won the toss and decided to test the opposition batting.
Bedminster started confidently despite some particularly accurate bowling from Steve Owen, reaching 38 before a sharp stumping from Bernie Forge broke the opening partnership. Steve (3/27) then took two more wickets and with Bedminster 70-3 there was a glimmer of a breakthrough. Peacock (58) and Giles (101) soon extinguished hope of the visitors being rolled over for a low total, with Giles being particularly severe on Barrow’s change bowlers, going to his hundred in 73 deliveries with 16 4s and a 6.
James Halladay (3/59) led the fightback at the end of the innings dismissing Peacock who had played an excellent anchor role, before Bedminster concluded their innings on 224-7.
Barrow openers Bernie Forge and Pete Holdaway started well in reply, laying a good foundation with a stand of 46 before Pete was caught in front and adjudged LBW. Roger Finnimore joined Bernie and was suffering from a nasty blow on the knee whilst fielding, and neither looked settled at the start of their partnership. As drinks approached the scoring rate was in need of acceleration and a couple of classic off side shots seemed to get Roger’s innings going, meanwhile after drinks Bernie also found her timing and the scoring started to move along at 8 or 9 per over. Bernie made her first half century of the season before falling for 52.
Roger, using his feet to the slow and medium-pace bowlers began to disrupt their length allowing him to loft the ball over the top (on one occasion over the hedge at the Village End) and then rock back and cut to the boundary. Although losing partners at the other end he received enough support to lead Barrow to a memorable win with 3 overs to spare. Roger ended on 90 not out off 74 balls with 12 fours to add to his 6.
Ellie Holdaway was delighted with her team’s performance, and now takes her side to Patchway next week, to face a team with whom the 2nds have enjoyed some close and sporting contests over the last 2 years.