Ali Hood’s second consecutive hundred was the highlight of a weekend marred by dropped catches and two one-sided games.
At Hobbs Lane, Ali reigned supreme in steering the Seconds to another win against a Whitchurch team who posted a very creditable 211-6 in their 40 overs. At least 8 catches were dropped to aid them to that total, but Ray Usher took full advantage scoring 90, whilst Adam Brace was again the pick of the bowlers taking 2/19. There were wickets too for Pete Rooney (both lbw), Leo Brace and the returning Ben Saunders.
Ali then set about his work, but this innings was somewhat different to last week’s consummate performance. Against a very mixed bowling attack Ali rode his luck, being dropped a few times, but nonetheless kept the innings progressing on the run rate. His opening partner Ellie Holdaway yet again made a telling contribution in her last game before a mid-season break scoring 25, while Mark Gracey added 32 to ensure that Ali did not have to do all the scoring.
Barrow won by 8 wickets and Ali’s reward is to take on the on-field captaincy in Ellie’s absence.
Meanwhile stand-in First’s captain, James Riley, was left ruing a similar number of dropped catches to the Seconds, but these proved decisive as P R Royals amassed a huge first innings total of 316-3. Barrow were never in the game and the weary team folded to a dismal 86.
On Sunday, the 3rds managed to hold on to some good catches but came up against a strong Lympsham & Belvedere team. Melissa Owen was the pick of the bowlers dismissing both openers taking 2/28, while there were a couple of wickets for Steve Owen and Nick Heal who also effected a run out with one stump to aim at.
In muggy conditions and despite a long outfield Lympsham made 253-7. In reply Barrow struggled against the excellent young talent George Nuttycombe who took 5/13. Nick, who had also kept wicket for 20 overs, hit an enterprising 39 not out to seal the Barrow Man of the Match award by a country mile. Barrow were bowled out for only 95. The only consolation was that the 3rds barely dropped a catch!