On Saturday June the 4th Barry Wanderers first 11 won their third game on the trot and on that day took the very useful scalp of Crumlin and they passed 200 for the first time this season. Little did we know that on July the 18th they had not won a game since and have not passed 200 once. A lot has happened in those six weeks with the political landscape changing beyond all recognition and Hal Robson Kanu scoring the goal of a European Championships where Wales put smiles on almost everybody’s faces.

Captain Hassett lost the toss but probably would have bowled anyway and at 36 for 2 with two very dangerous openers back in the pavilion the momentum was with Barry. In truth though this was probably the last time they were ahead in the game as Mike Watkins and Rod Jones put on 106 for the 3rd wicket. Watkins playing some glorious shots through the covers before being caught by Hassett off the bowling of Scullion at Mid-Wicket. There was a brief interruption for rain so the brand new covers were called into action but fortunately the rain stayed away after that although it never got better than gloomy.

At 156 for 4 The Wanderers looked to drag themselves back into the game but Rod Jones had other ideas and despite being obviously tired at the end managed a well-deserved 100 not out including 12 fours and 3 sixes as Monkswood posted 266 of the 45 overs. The Wanderers as has been a theme this season were left to rue the amount of wides they gave away and another centurion who was dropped on around 30. The old saying about catches win matches has turned into catches lose matches this season so far for the men in baggy greens.

266 was always going to be a big ask with the batting record this season of the Wanderers and when after a first ball wide Cooper was bowled of the first legal ball of the innings the writing was on the wall. That said Hornby at 3 passed his highest score this season by a long way in a solid 29 and looks to be coming back into form. Unfortunately for Barry he was the last man to reach 20 except for the returning Blundell who posted only the third 50 by a Wanderer this season. The rarely seen Aled Hughes looked in sparkling form with the bat and hit three fours in a row to then be caught and bowled two balls later. From there on in nobody could really give Blundell the help he needed despite the efforts of Hassett and Scullion and despite having a touch of luck fell to an excellent catch from Watkins in the deep for 77. When Anderson was caught to finish the innings The Wands found themselves short of 200 again and failing to bat the 45 overs for 193 and a loss by 73. There can be no complaints as they were outplayed in every department and were only missing Hill from the regular batting line up.

The Wanderers were thankful for the help of Mr Richards, Daughton and Bowker at tea and it was probably the best looking bunch to fill the kitchen this year and to umpires Dave Fiddler and Richie Rodgers for not having to give one LBW and having a drink with us afterwards.

Next week Barry travel to Machen who lost heavily to Monmouth so this will be one game they will be looking to win although Aled Hughes and Scullion will be missing plus Hassett could be a father by then so the captain may also be unavailable however Hill will return to boost the troops.

Thankfully for The Wanderers the seconds came off better at Monkswood with the Captain Paul Sawyer leading the way with a 100 and George Allen passing 50. Well done to all in a fine victory with hopefully more details to follow.