Barrow Gurney all-rounder Kian Ware enjoyed an exceptional weekend, making his first half-century on Saturday, and then following it up with another on Sunday. It was not enough to bring Barrow 2s to their first victory, but his Sunday effort helped in a first North Somerset League win of the season.
Kian, was wicketkeeper for Barrow 2nds on Saturday in their game against Mells 1sts and took a difficult catch behind the stumps as Mells put on 227-7 at Hobbs Lane, Adam Brace (2/26), Simon Hudson (2/45) and Leo Brace (2/42) bowled well to restrict the opposition scoring. In reply, Barrow relied heavily on Ware’s powerful striking as he added 4 sixes to 5 fours, including reaching his 50 by clearing the ropes. The game was in the balance until his dismissal, but Barrow fell 33 runs short as the team still waits for its first win.
On Sunday at Hobbs Lane, Bath Exiles came up against Ware the bowler whose 8 overs (1/24) showed his all round abilities. The Exiles started quickly with Brian O’Calaghan making a fine 81, but they were later pegged back by excellent slow bowling from Frank Forge (2/24) and 2 brilliant run outs from boundary fielders, one by Frank, and another by Rod Reeves. Chasing 190 to win, Barrow lost both their openers for 52 before Ware entered the stage once again, with a display of clean hitting he struck 11 boundaries and 2 sixes, including one to reach his half century for the second day running. He found good support from 71-year-old Rod Reeves (29 not out) who took Barrow to victory after Ware had been bowled.
Unfortunately for Barrow Firsts, they came up against a very strong Winterbourne A side who amassed 291-3 after being put into bat. Some bad luck with aerial shots going not going to hand, and some poor fielding on a fast outfield did not help the cause. Winterbourne then bowled equally as well, as the Barrow side, missing some key players, could only manage 92 in reply and scored only 1 point in a disappointing showing after last week’s highpoint. The team will hope to bounce back from this disappointment next week against Abbots Leigh.