Barwell take win in opener

BARWELL 2nds travelled to Ratby 2nds for their first game and first win of the season.

Barwell brought with them a strong bowling line up so when captain James Dillon won the toss it was an easy decision to bowl first, especially with the outfield still being quite wet.

Ratby got off to a quick start and with the balls flying over the boundary knew he needed to make a change. Curtis Baker came on to replace George Rolfe and quickly took the key wicket of the opener catching off his own bowling, finishing with figures of 2 for 24 off his 6 overs.

Debutant Ash Washington then came into the attack and managed to pick up his first Barwell wicket. However his replacement Srini Parthasarathi stole the show picking up 6 wickets off his 7.4 overs supported well by Matt Welsh at the other end who bowled a very economical 5 overs for just 12 runs picking up 1 wicket.

With a target of 181 set Barwell were feeling confident going into the run chase. The opening partnership of Pete Tillin and Dec Allen got off to a solid start before Tillin was out for 25. There were some nerves of a collapse as the number 3 batsmen came and went for 0.

However contributions of 16 from Alex Cullen and 18 from Curtis Baker helped support Allen at the other end who went on to make a sublime 86 before he was out bowled.

With scores tied coming into the last over it was down to George Rolfe to complete the run chase with a fine four down the ground securing the victory for Barwell.

Barwell are pleased to get off to a winning start and hope to continue their form next week away to Ashby Hastings 2nds.