Mark Gracey lost the toss and the Portishead skipper decided to have a bat. Unlike all the previous games this season, Barrow didn’t pick up a wicket in the first few overs, but Frank Forge bowled with his usual line and length and was unlucky not to pick up the wicket he deserved only going for 9 runs off his 6 overs. He was ably supported by Kieran Owen at the other end and he was swinging the ball nicely, his first 5 overs were all maidens and the only runs he conceded in his first spell was a 6 in his 6th over.
Barrow ran out the Portishead opener with good fielding from Ed Jones. Matt Owen and Mike Lilley then came on with Portishead already chasing the game having only scored about 15 off 12 overs. Both Mike and Matt picked up a wicket each before Will Kerswell came on and started turning the ball with ease and picked off three more of the Portishead wickets. After the dismissal of a Portishead junior player Jonny Sykes came on and caused a few problems but unable to get a wicket. Ellie Holdaway at the other end was unlucky not to take more than one wicket, as she had catches dropped of three consecutive balls including one by her captain.
After 40 overs Portishead had been limited to 153/7 – a score Barrow felt they had a good chance to chase down but they were equally aware that Portishead had a couple of bowlers who had picked up 5 wickets in their last few matches.
Barrow started the chase opening once again with Ellie, but this time supported by Will . They started with a flourish of boundaries and scored 14 off their first over and with the score on 18 off three, Ellie was bowled for 7. Will played a straight forcing shot which hit a young Portishead bowler on the ankle which forced him to retire after four overs having conceded 35 runs.
Mark Gracey then fell for a 6 before Portishead picked up the wickets of Jordan Allen, Matt Owen and Steve Owen cheaply before Jonny came in to pick up the run rate. Will’s wicket then fell for a very nice 58 and Jonny (33 n.o.) and Frank (13 n.o.) took Barrow home with 13 overs to spare.
