Barrow Gurney were frustrated in their search for victory at Bristol thirds as a brilliant last-wicket partnership allowed the opposition to seal an unlikely win.

Barrow had one of their worst batting displays of the year, gifting several of their wickets as they crumbled to 165 all out.

Ed Holdaway’s 38 was the top score, but he fell to a full toss, as Oscar Livesey defended stoically for his 21 to extend the innings and captain Frank Forge was stranded on 29.

Barrow’s bowlers struck early and looked to run through the Bristol side as Matt Owen (2-35), Connor Jones (3-27) and Ed Holdaway (2-23) reduced them to 48-8.

When Forge took the ninth wicket at 73, it looked all over, but Harry Tiernan (65 not out) and Jude Hazelgrove (37 not out) played really well to eke out an unlikely finish.

Barrow seconds bowled really well to restrict Midsomer Norton thirds to 173-9 with Nick Heal (2-18) and Paul Gard (2-29) having most success.

After suffering an early reverse, Ellie Holdaway set herself to bat through the innings, and did so with some impressive shots and some good support from Heal (20), acting captain Ali Hood (28) and Dave Smith (18 not out).

North Somerset Times: Ellie Holdaway celebrates a half-century for Barrow Gurney secondsEllie Holdaway celebrates a half-century for Barrow Gurney seconds (Image: BGCC)

Holdaway eventually fell for 77, her highest score for Barrow, with only six needed to win, which were were soon knocked off to continue a good run over the last month or so.

Barrow’s Sunday XI were in action at a sweltering Oldbury Court, with Gard scoring 78 in a total of 144 on an unpredictable wicket.

Two wickets apiece for Jonny Sykes, Kian Ware and Frank Forge made it difficult for Bristol Bangladeshis but they did just enough to defy the heat and the bowlers to make their target with a couple of overs to spare.