Barwell bat well for win
BARWELL were at home again last week, this time facing Countesthorpe in another second-versus-third clash and needed a win to keep the score close with Hinckley Amateur at the top of the table.
Barwell won their sixth toss in a row and again decided to bowl in varied conditions.
Countesthorpe got off to a good start and Barwell had to wait a little longer for their first wicket as Lee Skene beautifully bowled Gareth Anthony for 23.
Barwell bowlers Lee Skene and Nick Hines then continued to bowl tight and the run rate was significantly reduced.
Barwell had to wait another nine overs when Skene took the next wicket.
Hines quickly followed with another wicket leaving Countesthorpe 68-3.
Opening batsmen Ben Sharpe remained strong at the crease and got to his 50 during the four-wicket partnership while wickets fell.
Skene finished an excellent bowling spell of 2-31 off his 12 overs on a pitch which was now obviously batsmen friendly.
Ady Baker came on to replace Skene and was again in the wick- ets after a patient few overs.
With Ben Sharpe and Craig Henry together it looked as if Countesthorpe would take the game away from Barwell.
However, when Henry was run out for 24 Countesthorpe were left 148-5.
The remaining nine overs saw Countesthorpe lose three more wickets and finish their innings on 199-8.
Ady Baker finished with an excellent 4-53 and opening batsmen Ben Sharpe finished the innings with 93 not out.
Barwell again exploded out of the blocks lead by Guy Norris and perfectly supported by Ady Baker.
Norris was absolutely ruthless, dispatching anything loose.
In the 22nd over Norris had reached his 100 with a six over mid-off and Baker was again patiently supporting Norris on 20.
Barwell were just 20 runs short of victory when Norris was finally dismissed, caught for an excellent 135 in an innings which included 21 fours and three sixes.
Skipper Clint Baker came to the crease and hit 17 off seven balls and Ady Baker (37 not out) sealed the win with a beautiful six straight down the ground with 15 overs to spare.
Barwell captain Clint Baker said: “This was our biggest test yet and an absolute belter of a wicket.
“But everybody responded, which was what I hoped.
“Lee Skene again bowled brilliantly and Guy’s knock was breathtakingly effortless and simply one of the best knocks I’ve seen for a long time.
“It was great to see the way Ady supported Guy. On a personal note, I’m very proud of all the lads and the way they have responded since taking the captaincy. Onwards and upwards.”
Next week Barwell play a fierce derby away against Hinckley Amateurs in a top-ofthe-league clash.