Kian Ware made his maiden century for Barrow Gurney on Sunday as his innings of exactly 100 in 62 balls turned the West Division match against Backwell Flax Bourton.
Barrow were chasing 189 to win after some consistent Barrow Gurney bowling led by Mike Lilley (2/16) who was well supported by debutant James Taber who took 1/13 thanks to a brilliant catch from Leo Brace (who himself bowled well for 1/42 off 8 overs), and who narrowly missed a return effort off his own bowling whilst diving full length. Kian also chipped in with 1/17 as did Steve Owen (1/30).
Barrow recovered from losing a wicket off the first ball of the innings as Bernie Forge (45) and Oscar Livesey rebuilt before Oscar was LBW with the score at 30. Kian then joined Bernie in a 92-run partnership before Bernie was caught and bowled.
Kian later admitted to having been inspired by the visit from Barrow legend, and regular Sunday player, Rod Reeves whose words of encouragement inspired Kian to dedicate his innings of 5 sixes and 10 fours to him. But it finally ended with Barrow only 20 runs short. Then a lower order wobble threatened to undo his good work, before the 9th wicket pair of Leo Brace and Steve Owen took the team to victory with Steve hitting the winning runs.
On Saturday Barrow’s First XI were at Claverham 2s, and Barrow’s bowling attack was once again to the fore as Matt Owen (2/9 off 8 overs) struck early. First change bowlers Ed Holdaway (2/13) and Frank Forge (4/13) cut through the home side’s batting line up with the help of some exceptional fielding, with a stunning catch by Jonny Sykes in the slips being the highlight. First team debutant Daniel Tallamy took his first senior wickets to mop up the tail finishing with figures of 2/10. Claverham only managed 82 all out.
Phil Milton (11) and Bernie Forge (30) then put on 56 for the first wicket although both fell before Ben Skuse and Connor Jones sealed the win.
Barrow 2s difficult season continued at Hobbs Lane, as batting first the home side struggled to make 155 off their 40 overs against a strong Old Bristolians 4th team. Extras were comfortably top scorer (53) although a useful 34 from Oscar Livesey and 28 from Peter Rooney briefly promised a higher score.
The visitors quickly achieved their target with 15 overs to spare although there was a chance to see wicketkeeper Ali Hood dive full length to take a catch off Peter Rooney (1/30) and also to see Mark Gracey make a direct hit to run out an opposition batsman from mid-on.
A weekend with two well-deserved wins after Barrow had competed well in previous fixtures as the teams managed to dodge the showers and cope with damp conditions.