Winning draw gives vital boost

In a game vital for the survival of both sides, the pressure was on, Dave called wrongly and Countesthorpe were inserted. The umpires were very busy with 4 of the first five decisions being given LBW with perhaps a 50% success ratio. There was clearly a big double noise when Smig was dismissed and Ben and the keeper thought the ball had pitched well outside leg. Thorpey promoted to number 3 looked in good nick, crashing his trademark cover boundaries before losing concentration and his wicket.

Young Will who had initially supported Thorpey stepped up, opening bowler Allan upped his speed as Will settled in fizzing in a bouncer that Will hooked to within a meter of the mid wicket boundary as the fielders looked on open mouthed, Barwell changed plans!! Kyle Newall and Matt Welsh bowled really tidy spells, pegging back the scoring rate as skipper Dave succumbed and was caught at deepish mid on. Young will found his feet and used them to great effect dancing down the wicket to knock the spin twins off their length.

Sadly just as a maiden first team 50 approached Will missed a straight one and was dismissed for 47 however this was a great knock, showing tons of ability and vital for the team. Cameos from Craig, Toony and Hayden pushed the score near to respectability before Allan wrapped up the innings leaving Barwell an extra 2 overs batting to chase 180

Luke bowled with pace and former player Clint Baker and Dec Allan showed some respect. Allan had his off bail trimmed, but skipper Stapleford-Jones looked in good form. Toony entered the attack and bowled a controlled line and length. Thorpey accounted for Baker although he was a little miffed at yet another LBW and Toony soon sorted Wright and Moran. Toony then claimed the vital wicket of the skipper well held by Ben at cow.

Looking for the win the skipper changed the bowling frequently but Newall and Stradling held firm, Newall completing a fine match with 32 not out as Barwell finished on 154-7 This was an excellent game played in a good spirit and on days like this Barwell can be a pleasant cricketing venue. Half way through the season and all to play for, Ibstock next week and a chance of as double!