It was a roasting hot Sunday afternoon and the Carson’s pitch looked so much different to when the 2nds played here a year ago. Then the outfield was verdant and lush and several all run fours were hit to the long boundaries, what a contrast a year later. The boundaries were still long but there was barely any green to be seen except in the trees outside the ropes, the outfield was rutted and abrasive and took its toll of several knees and at least one pair of whites. The pitch itself was dusty and very dry.
Winning the toss Carsons batted first. Barrow’s pace attack led by Matt Owen and Mark Fisher got some bounce with the new ball and it was not long before they accounted for both openers in their opening spells, although a few runs were leaked as any edge raced away for four unless it went straight to third man.
Golden arm Nick Heal came on first change and again produced the most clinical yorker first ball to despatch the elegant looking number 3 before Mark induced a nick behind to keeper James Riley. 42-4. Meanwhile Melissa Owen did well to keep things tight in a four over burst as the batsman sought to attack.
A steady and dangerous 5th wicket partnership took the score beyond 100 before Will Kerwell deceived the batsman with what appeared to be a bouncer and bowled him as it kept low. Adam Brace bowled an accurate spell and was unlucky not to add to the wicket tally. When Guy Fisher replaced him he was successful courtesy of a steepling catch by Nick Heal.
Coming back to finish the innings Mark Fisher struck twice. He then had to compete with his brother for the final wicket to get his five for. With only 3 balls left of his allocation the ball was hit skyward and Mark took the catch off his own bowling – 5/35. Carsons 161 all out.
Riley and Will then opened the batting for Barrow and after a few scratchy overs got the pace of the pitch. The score began to move along promisingly as they put on a 100 partnership. Riley (37 no) retired unexpectedly, prompting a minor wobble as 3 quick wickets fell including Will for 42. Guy Fisher needed some support which he got in the shape of Ed Jones playing his first game of the season. An early 4 through the off side had the crowd cheering and he followed it up with more characteristic blows through the on side. When he was bowled for a sparkling 20 Ed had all but taken Barrow home. Nick and Guy (21 no) saw Barrow to their second win in 2 weeks.