After Barrow Gurney’s victory over Redcliffe earlier in the season the team were confident going into this match against top of the league.
Things began well when skipper Phil Milton won the toss and decided to insert Redcliffe in the hope that the pitch would improve throughout the day. James Riley and Paul Glazzard opened up well, both showing good control. The first wicket was a run out executed by James Mitchell after the ball was hit straight at him and the two openers decided upon a suicide single. Glazzard picked up the other opener in the 10th over caught behind. Mick Hardy replaced Riley, Mick bowled his best spell of the season show great control of line and length picking up an early wicket to leave Redcliffe rocking at 79-5 after 25 overs. Mark Brown came on and bowled really well picking up 4 wickets in his 8 overs. Barrow’s inability to clean up the tail however was a problem as Redcliffe managed to get up to 170-9 in their final overs. Glazzard bowling 10-4-13-2 and Brown 8-1-33-4.
With both regular openers away Brown opened with Ben Skuse and they began in solid fashion; Skuse hitting some nice drives including a lovely 4 first ball. Skuse fell for 11 bringing Nick Moore to the crease, he and Brown put on 70 odd for the 2nd wicket taking Barrow to around 100 and they appeared to be coasting. Nick however was caught behind for 32, and Brown fell for 66 LBW. Mick looked to be batting well before being bowled for 13 leaving Barrow 138-4 and wobbling a little, even more so when Jonny Sykes was given LBW to leave Barrow 139-5. However, enter James Mitchell and Paul Glazzard who saw us home with 2 and bit overs to spare, Mitchell finishing 35 not out.
This was another fantastic win for Barrow showing good character. There were contributions from everyone including some great fielding from Ed Jones who took a very good catch but it was an outstanding game from Mark Brown who excelled with bat and ball.