Cricket: Barrow survival fight goes on

Sep 3 2009 Chester Chronicle

Cricket: Barrow survival fight goes on

BARROW live to fight another day – just – despite losing their crucial Division One relegation encounter with Winnington Park on Saturday.

The visitors were asked to bat first and got off to a flyer, racing to 56-0 in 12 overs.

With Barrow in trouble and facing the possibility of a large score, captain Dave Ellwood turned to the spin of Phil Noble. It turned out to be a wise choice as Noble bagged six wickets and Mal Barrow four as Park were all out for 115.

But in reply, Barrow crumbled and were skittled for 56. They remain deep in danger but were spared relegation on Saturday as all their rivals also lost.

ALVANLEY earned a winning draw at home to Hale Barns.

Alvanley chose to bat first on an excellent home wicket and were rewarded with a solid start by Jim Ackerley and Dave Shewring.

Mark Szymura then weighed in with an excellent 63 as Alvanley finished up on 170-8 (Jim Ackery 41).

Hale Barns simply did not play any shots when their turn to bat came round.

They finished on 125-8, Shewring ending with 2-50 while Robin Fisher bagged 6-41. Both have now passed 50 wickets for the season.

Alvanley play Stockport on Sunday at Barnton CC in the League KO final (3.30pm).

MALPAS (144ao) lost at home to Mere (174-8) in a mid-table battle.

In Division Two, CHOLMONDELEY were beaten at Winsford. They were all out for 109 (Will Hockenhull 27) chasing the home team’s 135-9 (Chris Baker 3-28).

Presbury came out on top against KINGSLEY, mainly due to a magnificent performance from all-rounder Rami Urendran.

Batting first the Sri Lankan star hit an unbeaten 81. A direct hit run-out from Kieron Ollier was the highlight for the fielding side as Prestbury set a very challenging 187-5. In reply, Russ Cook batted well for 35 before Urendren tore through Kingsley’s middle order. A change in the bowling gave the tail hope of victory as Travis Martin batted positively for 27, but the returning Sri Lankan bowled him and then Neil Rowlands for 48 to end the match with Kingsley all out for 156.

Yet again at Wirral, losing the toss meant losing the game.

In seven matches this season the side batting first has failed to score more than 130 – and CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS became the latest victims of a poor pitch.

Chester posted 103ao , John Gilbody top-scoring with 31no. After tea Wirral also struggled, but they made it to 104-8 (Ian Rule 4 -44, Andy Barlow 2-28).

BUNBURY (117-2) beat Pott Shrigley (114ao).