Barwell fall just short after taking early wickets

BARWELL cricket club’s flagship side were at home to Ratby Town 1st XI last week.

After winning their third toss in a row Barwell 1st XI elected to bowl on a hard green wicket.

Liam O’Rourke took the first wicket with his second ball and the second wicket in his second over.

Ben Betteridge took the third wicket in the sixth over, leaving Ratby 3-21.

After another fantastic start Barwell took a blow as wicketkeeper Sam Fisher was struck on the chin which left him requiring a trip to hospital and a number of stitches. This reduced Barwell to ten men.

Ratby batsmen Chadwick and Mortimore put on 47 runs before the fourth wicket fell off Nick Hines’s bowling. Hines then took the important wicket of Chadwick, lbw for 46, leaving Ratby 5-107.

Wickets continued to fall and Ratby were finally bowled out for 157. The wicket-takers were Kyle Newall (3-39); Nick Hines (2-23); Liam O’Rourke (2-21); and Ady Baker (2-14).

Barwell started the run chase positively but lost an early wicket as Betteridge was bowled for a quick ten. Clint Baker joined Ady Baker and put on a good partnership of 44 before A Baker was dismissed for 21. C Baker continued to score well and with Jack Smith put on another 44 runs before C Baker was brilliantly caught one handed for an excellent 55.

The score was then 101-3 and Barwell were perfectly placed.

But Barwell’s middle order batsmen didn’t response to the task ahead and began to lose wickets at regular intervals.

After losing their remaining wickets for just 38 runs, Ratby won the match by 18 runs.

Barwell captain Clint Baker said: “This game was a reality check for the team and if we learn from this match I believe we can gain promotion.”

Barwell 2nd XI took a weakened side to Bardon Hill 2nd XI this Saturday and, on being asked to bat first, were soon in trouble on 29-5.

However, stands of 21 between Liam Tillin and Eddie Cross (who scored 13) and then 108 between Liam Tillin and Sam Taylor took Barwell’s score to a respectable 190-7 off 45 overs. Tillin made 42 and Taylor ended on 77 not out.

Barwell’s total was boosted by 14-year old debutant Mo Bairam’s sparkling 15 not out at the end of the innings.

In reply, Bardon Hill chased the total down losing just six wickets. George Rolfe performed well with the ball, claiming 4-57 off his nine overs. The other wicket-takers were Liam Tillin (1-21) and Dec Allen (1-57).

Captain Peter Tillin said: “Despite the defeat Barwell can take a lot of positives out of the game where the average age of the team was just 21.”