Break inspires comeback

Barwell Cricket Club 1st XI 220-4 drew with Ratby Town 1st XI 181-8

BARWELL travelled to Ratby this week with the visitors needing a positive result to keep them in contention.

Barwell won the toss and elected to bat first on dry used pitch. Barwell got off to the worst start imaginable loosing two wickets inside three overs, with both of Barwell’s prized batsmen Ady Baker and Guy Barwell out.

From this point Ratby bowled well but had no rewards. After an excellent partnership of 200, Barwell were indebted to 83 from Mark “Paddy” Racklyeft and 101 not out from skipper Clint “BBS” Baker for their total of 220-4.

In reply Ratby got off to a flyer and their openers Chadwick and Odell made 119 off 24 overs.

Thanks to an inspiring team talk at drinks rejuvenated Barwell. They came back into the game and took four wickets in four overs thanks to Lee Skene (2-39) and Ady Baker (2-40).

The game was now in the balance but thanks for to some excellent at-the-death bowling from Liam O’Rourke (1-32) and Nick Hines (3-38) it earned Bar- well a winning draw and a valuable 19 points.

Ratby finished the game on 181-8.

After the game, the Barwell captain Clint Baker said: “I am proud of everyone in my side and our loyal followers that stayed even when we looked odds on to lose.

“A few commented that it was the best comeback they had seen in a very long time.”