So another sunny day at Barrow and another lost toss for a 2nd XI skipper which led to Barrow batting first.
Opening with Bernie and Mark Forge, Barrow got off to a quick start. At 10 overs Barrow had only lost one wicket, Bernie falling to an incredible one handed catch to the bowler. This brought Guy Fisher to the crease and Barrow began to re-build. At drinks Barrow were in a good position to get full batting points at 90-1. Guy, after taking a while to get in, suddenly went into 5th gear hitting several fours over the top and one six. Guy would eventually be out for 42 continuing his good run of form.
In came Mark Gracey who looked intent on batting for a long time. With some tight bowling from Bradley Stoke at this point, Barrow struggled to score for the next 5 overs or so. However a top edge 6 suddenly got Gracey going. Meanwhile Mark Forge continued to showcase his defensive technique interspersed with a cut shot or back foot drive; he would fall for an accomplished 60, the highlight being a flick over midwicket.
The fall of wicket brought league debutant Denis Atkins to the crease. Despite claiming to be nervous, he hit the ball to all parts for a rapid 25* with a big 6 over cow corner.
At the other end Gracey began to play more expansively also hitting the ball to all parts with a big 6 straight. The pair guiding Barrow to a score of 228-3 and with Gracey finishing on a well-deserved 60*.
After tea Barrow set about trying to achieve full points. Mike Lilley got the team off to a good start with a wicket in his first over and this set the tone for the rest of the innings. Mark Fisher, also opening the bowling with great control probably deserved more than his 1 wicket. James Halladay replaced Mark Fisher and ended up with the best figures bowling wicket to wicket and deserved figures of 3-13 including a low catch at short cover from Mark Forge.
Paul Gard replaced Mike and offered something different, bowling round the wicket and causing all sorts of problems for the Bradley Stoke batsman taking 2-12.
Denis Atkins then came on to conclude the match taking the final wicket with his only delivery.
A 189 run victory and a good all round performance from Barrow.