Barrow Gurney defied the weather on Saturday to play and win their game against Claverham 2nd XI at Hobbs Lane.
Batting first in gloomy but dry conditions Bernie Forge and Phil Milton put on a solid 50 opening partnership, before a couple of quick wickets set the home team back. Phil though, having enjoyed a little bit of early good fortune, started to cut loose playing some glorious shots on his way to 75.
On his dismissal Guy Fisher was already into his stride and had reached his own half century. Guy then launched a blistering attack on the visitors’ bowling with excellent timing and shots all around the wicket. With 8 sixes and 11 fours, Guy’s 127 off only 76 balls was his first century for the First XI.
With good support from Kieran Owen (37 not out) at the end of the innings, Barrow reached 275 for 6 off a rain-reduced 38 overs.
Claverham’s reply was rocked by Mark Fisher (3/4 off 8 overs) and Connor Jones (3/28), and at 24-6, the game looked over. However, the young Claverham pair of (the appropriately named) Michael Vaughan (33 not out) and Daniel Williams (44), batted with determination and no little skill to delay the celebrations.
Barrow’s acting captain, Phil Milton, then turned to spin, and with Guy Fisher (2/9) and Phil himself (2/7) both completing excellent personal games, to take Barrow to the win, on a day when few other games were played. Barrow 2s visit to Pucklechurch being one of many games lost to the weather.
The Sunday XI visited Bradley Stoke, where the previous day’s weather meant playing on an artificial strip. In a high-scoring game Barrow made 254-6, with the highlight being a maiden century from Jonny Sykes, whose 117 came off only 60 balls (7 sixes, 11 fours). Mark Gracey (31) and Jordan Allen (27) also made useful contributions.
A strong Bradley Stoke batting line up, took advantage of Barrow then having to bowl with a wet ball in drizzly conditions, and being one man short for most of the innings due to injury. Although Barrow took wickets at regular intervals, the Bradley Stoke batters cruised to a decisive victory with 8 overs to spare by 4 wickets.