Match Report

First XI vs Barrow

Barns move up to sixth

Barns picked up 13 points to Barrow's 9 in a tense, but ultimately poor game of cricket (save for one or two performances.)

Again, after a couple of hours preparation the wicket and ground looked in much better shape - the pitch displaying (almost!) a hint of straw colour.

Hale Barns won the toss and elected to bat.

The pulverisation of the wicket with the roller seemed to have desired effect as there was a bit of early pace and carry.

Mike Filson made a quick 21 before his poles were flattened by the lively Private Pike. A flurry of wickets left the hosts wobbling at 38/3. The wickets falling almost as quickly as the life was being sucked out of the pitch.

Wood and Warner then put together another watchful partnership of 40 odd - primarily against the twin spin of Dwyer and his mate. Wood fell and was quickly followed by Warner as neither built on good starts.

It was left to EasyJet pilot and UK tax exile Mike Hunter to steady the ship along with Second Lieutenant  Joe Cooper. Cooper was especially aggressive and went big a couple of time. Hunter prepared to pick up the ones and twos.

Hale Barns finished one run short of 8 batting points.

HBCC were light in the bowling department as a result of the absence of Deadly Dirk Dunley and the late withdrawal of Alex Robinson.

When Molloy hit the dollies early doors after an ugly mow by Private Pike it looked as thought this might not matter. However, a few overs later, something popped mid delivery stride and Molloy spent the rest of the game grazing at first slip nursing his pulled fetlock.

The meant Berks and Saddington were required to bowl the bulk of the overs. Berks was continually probing and picked up a cool five wickets - including two caught and bowled victims. The first fantastic, and the second magnificent.

However, it was the introduction of Joe Cooper, for his first dabble of the season, which changed the course of the match taking 2 for 11 from 6 overs. A series of awful missed chances had put Barns on the ropes. However, Barrow showed why they are bottom by snatching a draw from the jaws of victory after capitulating in spectacular style against JC's wicket to wicket tweak. Barns showed why they are only sixth by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat…..and then saying "here, have it back, we'd rather have a draw than 25 points."

Skipper feels another day closer to retirement…..