Poor results for beleaguered side

BARWELL Cricket Club’s first team travelled to Ibstock Town on Saturday and encountered an extremely batting friendly wicket.

Barwell won the toss and asked Ibstock to bat first. This was a decision they came to regret as opener, Tom Oliver, went on to score an unbeaten 198 as Ibstock posted a huge 289-3 off their 43 overs.

On a difficult day for all the bowlers the only wicket takers were Guy Norris and Nick Hines with one each.

In reply Adam StaplefordJones and Clint Baker both made the most of the conditions as both openers went on to score half centuries with StaplefordJones caught on the boundary for 96 and Baker caught for 84.

Barwell lost a further four quick wickets as they attempted to chase down their opponents score eventually falling 66 runs short as their innings closed on 223 for six.

The losing draw saw Barwell slip to the bottom of the table and they will continue their fight to avoid relegation this Saturday as they entertain high-flying Oakham.

At Kirkby Road, Barwell’s second string entertained promotion hopefuls Appleby Magna.

On losing the toss Barwell were asked to bat first and openers Geoff Hines and George Baker put on 45 runs for the first wicket. Baker was the first to fall as he was caught for 16. Hines was eventually caught for 41 as Barwell struggled to 100 all-out off 39 overs.

Appleby’s run chase got off to a shaky start as Chris Moore claimed three quick wickets. Jack Powell and Josh Knight then steadied the innings before Adam Stradling bowled Knight for 21.

Powell took Appleby to the brink of victory but was bowled by Pete Forster for 40 with the scores level. The win was secured off the next ball as Appleby reached 101-6 off 28 overs.

Moore was the pick of the Barwell bowlers as he claimed 3-14 off his 12 overs with Stradling (2-24), and Forster (1-2), the other wicket takers.

This Saturday Barwell seconds travel to Sapcote where they will hope for better fortune.