Everards County League: Barkby United hopes dashed by rain

Rain spoilt the top-of-the-table clash as Barkby United travelled to Premier Division leaders Lutterworth on Saturday.

After a short delay, the match was reduced to 44 overs per side, and visiting captain Steve Flowers won the toss and put the hosts in.

Opening bowlers Aiden Morris and Ian Kirk started well, restricting many scoring opportunities before Rob Townsend’s introduction brought the first breakthrough, having opener Turns stumped smartly by Martin Troop for 35.

Townsend recorded excellent figures of 1 for 29 from his nine overs to stifle the hosts from one end.

Max Carmichael, on his First XI debut, bowled some lively seamers from the other end in his short spell, and his replacement Jamie Drake enjoyed the most success with his medium pace.

He had Leicestershire county player Lewis Hill stumped for 31 and Tew (30) caught smartly in the deep. Drake then picked up his third wicket when Sykes was bowled for two to finish with figures of 3 for 48.

Opener Pickering carried his bat for a well-made 94 not out as Lutterworth closed on 227-4 from their 44 overs.

Only eight overs were possible of the reply before more showers finally curtailed any hopes of further play.

Barkby had reached 37-1, losing Ian Kirk, bowled for 10. Eamonn Bourke (8 not out) and Tom Flowers (17 not out) had looked in good touch, aided by some swift running between the wickets.

Barkby picked up seven points in a rain-affected draw to slip to fourth, leapfrogged by local rivals Syston Town whom they host at Beeby Road in a derby clash on Saturday (12.30pm).