Cricket
Barby secure battling draw

BARBY had to settle for a second consecutive draw when they entertained Bronze in Warwickshire League Division One on Saturday.

Having won the toss Barby decided to bowl first on an excellent batting wicket but, despite an early wicket from Tom Gleghorn, Bronze batted steadily and were looking at a score of around 200.

However, a late onslaught by opening batsman James Braddin (164no) saw Bronze post a respectable 251-4. The other Barby wicket-takers were Dave Watson with two and Bikram Singh.

In reply Barby found the going slow, but never looked in any difficulty. Simon Gear with 39 and Watson with 37 batted around Gleghorn who made a second consecutive century, finishing on 101.

Barby made a late charge to reach the total but finished on a solid 217-3 to take nine points for a losing draw.

The seconds were away to Bronze and, having lost the toss on a sunny afternoon, Barby were asked to field.

The first over saw Troy Reeves start the ball rolling by taking the first wicket and this was followed soon afterwards by Adam Shay striking.

The wickets fell at regular intervals and Shay (4-21) and Reeves (3-24) put Bronze in all kinds of difficulties.

Macey put up some resistance with a slow 21 before Barby took the last three wickets through Long (2-12) and Beagley (1-9) as Bronze were all out after 36 overs for just 75.

Despite losing two wickets, Barby easily reached their target in just 15 overs as Lyndon Slassor (22) and Liam Perryman (29no) saw them home to an eight-wicket success.

This 24-point win puts Barby third, having won both of the games they have played.

The Sunday XI were at home to Merchants Inn - whose side contained many of the Barby Saturday teams players - and Merchants claimed a comprehensive win.

Barby batted first and wickets fell at regular intervals, as only Dave Knightsbridge who opened the batting and carried his bat for his first club half century - finishing on 54 not out - showed any resistance.

Barby were dismissed for just 113 as Linnel finished with 3-30 and Reece, Whyment and Stipanovic took two wickets apiece.

In reply Merchants never looked in difficulty in reaching 114-1 in just 18 overs, with Wade (56no) and Doherty (42) the main Barby tormentors.

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