Ben Skuse's magnificent 85 helped Barrow Gurney Second XI chalk up their first win of the season against Oldield Park at Hobbs Lane last Saturday.

The visitors batted first and got off to a quick start as Shalin Pather raced to 63 off 55 balls before Skuse held a good catch at wide mid on to remove him. 

Adam Brace went on to bowl a great spell from the Rod’s Viewpoint End, clean bowling Ian Parsons and Manish Sharma and added a fourth thanks to a sharp legside catch by Peter Rooney. 

Brace’s figures of 4-16, were complemented at the other end by Paul Gard who bowled well for his 2-22. With Oldfield Park set to bat the overs, Peter Rooney shed the wicket keeping pads and came on to whittle out two more batsmen in only two overs with Ellie Holdaway bowling the visitor’s captain to restrain the score to 219-9 in 40 overs.

The reliable opening partnership of Skuse and Holdaway then fired once more as both took advantage of any short or wide bowling and were looking comfortable with the score on 92 before one popped of a length and Holdaway was caught and bowled for 42. Skuse continued to keep up the required tempo and despite losing Mark Forge (10) on 124 and Mark Gracey (16) on 157, he remained at the crease until Barrow had passed 200. Having reached a personal score of 85, Skuse walked after a fine edge to the keeper to leave Paul Gard (23 not out) to see the team home with 3 overs to spare. It was a much needed first win for the team.