MIKE Clarke claimed the first wicket of the season for home-grown Winsford in Meller Braggins Division Two, but their batting suffered an early collapse from which they were unable to recover at Knight's Grange on Saturday.
With Mark Dean delivering 11 overs for just 21 runs and Clarke (3-61) taking another wicket Winsford seemed in command as they had the visitors at 34-2.
But Barrow were severe with anything pitched short and the young home fielders struggled manfully with a bouncy outfield and the visitors pulled away.
Winsford's first five bats fell for just 16 and skipper Martin Barrett and Colin Dean tried to rebuild the innings. After Barrett was bowled for 27 more wickets fell and when the partnership of Chris Brandon and James Tierney was broken the game was lost.
Winsford, however, were proud to name a starting 11 that had all come through their ranks over the years.
New 2nds XI skipper Mike Lancaster and veteran Mark Skellon rattled up 112 for the first wicket at Barrow. Lancaster's 64 contained 11 fours, while Skellon's 57 was a more sedate affair. Andy Cooper chipped in 22 towards a score of 179-6 dec that proved just enough to avoid defeat and claim a winning draw.
Barrow made 175-8 and the exciting finish was produced by Phil Doman (1-37), Dave Etchells (2-50) and Cooper (2-29), his wickets coming in consecutive balls.
