BARROW 20/20 CHAMPIONS

Barrow CC lifted their first honour since joining the Northern League in 2004 when they emerged victorious from a highly successful T20 Finals Day at a sun bathed Stanley Park in Blackpool.

Daryl Wearing's side beat Lancaster in the semi-final before earning a 51 runs victory over the host club to end an action-packed day.

The first semi-final commenced at 11am between Chorley and Blackpool. Inserted to bat by Blackpool skipper Paul Danson, Chorley made 107 for 8 in their 20 overs, hitting only six boundaries. They undoubtedly had the worst of the conditions with the dew soaked outfield failing to give full value to shots.

Josh Tolley anchored the innings with 23 before falling to a boundary catch by Luis Reece off Andy Hogarth's first delivery. Pro Friedel de Wet made 20 before he was caught by Michael Taylor off Alex Smith.

After reaching 47 for 2 at the halfway point, Chorley struggled for acceleration in the second half of their innings against excellent bowling and fielding. Richard Gleeson returned 3 for 14 for Blackpool but all six bowlers were impressive.

Reece and Chris Taylor put on 43 for Blackpool's first wicket before both fell in successive Rex Purnell deliveries. And when Nigel Eastham struck a double blow to remove Andy Hogarth and pro Saj Weerakoon Blackpool were struggling at 66 for 4 in the 13th over.

But Paul Danson played a true captain's innings, hitting an unbeaten 28 to steer his side through to the final in partnership with Michael Taylor with eight balls to spare despite Chorley's tigerish defence of their below par total on a slow pitch.

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The second semi final followed a similar path with Lancaster setting Barrow a target of 112 after being inserted to bat. Jamie Heywood batted 17 overs for a carefully constructed 58 off 70 balls and put on 60 for the first wicket with Tim Barry (31). Iain Kermode took 2 for 18 for Barrow as Wearing's side put on an impressive display of out cricket in the searing heat.

Jon Miles anchored the Barrow reply with 40 and though Barrow were 76 for 4 after his dismissal in the 14th over Tod Bamber and Graham Dawson saw their side home with eleven balls to spare.

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Darren Clark took centre stage in the final, hitting a superb 55 off 41 balls, including four sixes and two fours. Clark's third wicket partnership of 99 with pro Pasan Wanasinghe (44, including four fours and a six) underpinned Barrow's imposing total of 156 for 7.

The Cumberland county batsman produced the day's most impressive batting display, taking control of the game with some superb clean hitting that ultimately took the game away from Blackpool.

Darren Clark's superb innings helped Barrow to the 20/20 Final

Barrow pro Pasan Wanasinghe supported Clark superbly

Blackpool struggled in reply against Barrow's superb fielding and tight bowling. Barrow club chairman Ray Mowat collected the vital wicket of pro Saj Weerakoon, bowled for 13 and took 3 for 19 off his four overs.

Blackpool's last chance disappeared when Reece was fifth man out at 62, caught behind by impressive wicket-keeper Paul Renney for 32.

Michael Taylor came up with some late resistance, hitting 29 but Barrow were in no mood to let slip their hold on the game. Iain Kermode again made a big contribution, taking 3 for 22 while Dawson fittingly supplied the final act, having Taylor caught behind.

Victorious Barrow captain Daryl Wearing received the trophy from League President Brian Standing and later reflected that it had been a hugely important day in the club's history.

"To win the first trophy since we entered the Northern League mans an awful lot," he said. "It is a superb effort by the players. I must pay tribute, though, to former captain Ian Allington who has been trying so hard to win a trophy and then I come along and am fortunate enough to get one in my first season.

"We only ensured qualification for finals day on Friday evening and the players' commitment and efforts were first-class. Our bowling and fielding was excellent and then in the final Darren Clark produced a superb innings just when we needed it most.

"All the players stood up to the plate and it was a great day's cricket. Full credit to Blackpool Cricket Club for the way they hosted the day and we saw all four teams produce an excellent standard of cricket that reflected well upon the Northern League.
"Days like today are what you play the game for and hopefully we can take this form into our remaining league games."

Barrow captain Daryl Wearing receives the 20/20 Trophy from League President Brian Standing

Barrow's victorious team celebrate

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