Barrow Gurney First XI pulled off a convincing win against Congresbury 2nd XI this weekend with another good all-round performance. The 2nds lost again, not really getting into their stride against Carsons Mangotsfield whilst the Sunday team (without a league fixture) enjoyed a trip to Allerton to play Axbridge and an opportunity to give the younger Barrow players an extended game.
Saturday at Hobbs Lane was hot and steamy and skipper Frank Forge wanted to bat first. Losing the toss he was surprised to find that the opportunity was given to the home side anyway. Barrow suffered an early set back as Ellie Holdway was out LBW for 2, but Bernie Forge played fluently for 26 before being caught low down at short midwicket. Kieran Owen (44) anchored the innings as the returning Phil Milton hit a feisty 19. Jonny Sykes then took charge and raced to 54 off 36 balls with 3 sixes showing his clean hitting ability before being trapped in front for another LBW decision. Ed Holdway (38) hit a further 3 maximums and continued the high scoring before Guy Fisher (25 not out) and Kian Ware (29 not out against his former club) scored at an electric rate to take Barrow to a season’s best 287-6 off 45 overs.
In reply Congresbury lost 3 early wickets to Premil Fernando (3/17) who bowled with brisk pace, accuracy with an occasional yorker. Ben Lewis (60) dug in well and accompanied by Stephen Baker (43) gave the visitors a chance until Barrow skipper Frank Forge destroyed the Congresbury batting, twice being on a hat trick, taking 5/43 in all. Ed Holdaway (2/22) finished things off to give Barrow a 126 run win and their 7th win of the season.
Meanwhile at Carsons Mangotsfield, the 2s lost by 68 runs in a game with a little controversy. Pete Rooney 3/56, and Paul Gard 2/14 were the pick of the bowlers as Carsons made 174-9. Rooney (23 not out) was also the top-scorer as Barrow wilted to 106-9.
With no Sunday league game, Barrow headed to the pretty Allerton ground to meet friendly rivals Axbridge. Batting first Matt Owen had a rare chance to open the innings making a good 25 before Frank Forge showed some of the younger (and older) players how to run in his 36. Jonny Sykes added 31 before being caught reverse sweeping and Guy Fisher was 18 not out as Barrow ended their 30 overs on 160-7 just in time to watch and listen to the climactic end to the test match.
Axbridge replied well against the young Barrow attack led by Isaac Todman (1/32) who found some support from Jonny Sykes (1/21), although Melissa Owen and Leo Brace bowled good spells, the runs came just quickly enough for them to run out winners with 9 balls to spare by 8 wickets.