Everards County League: Kirk hits ton in Barkby United draw

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With light rain in the air and no covers on the wicket, Barkby captain Steve Flowers won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Opening bowlers Kirk and Fazakerley found good areas, but the lightning-fast outfield made it hard to keep the boundaries out of the equation as Evans used the pace of the ball to split the field.

Hinchliffe came on and asked questions, finally dismissing Twigg (31).

Spin twins Townsend and Botting were introduced, the former removing Beaumont (35), caught well by Botting.

With the Ivanhoe batsmen looking to up the rate, Botting finally had Swindells caught in the deep by Percy’s safe hands. Townsend then dismissed Evans (77) as the Barkby fielders increased ball the pressure.

Jack Johnson removed Malik, and Botting found another breakthrough as Yeow was caught by Flowers. Fazakerley was then brought back and had his Leicestershire academy team-mate Gilford caught in the deep again by Percy as Ivanhoe finished on 233-8.

Flowers and Kirk opened up and started well against a few looseners until the former was dismissed by Lafferty for 12.

Townsend (0) had a very short stay before he was out playing no shot to Khan. Steve Flowers also went without scoring as Barkby wobbled on 42-3.

Kirk increased his run rate with quick running between the wickets before Percy was out lbw to the leg spinner for 16.

After a short rain delay, the innings was reduced to 44 overs, as Kirk (116 not out) continued to strike the ball very well.

Barkby did not chase the score down, and had reached 163-4 when rain brought the end of the game.

The 12-point haul left Barkby in fifth place, just two points behind Saturday’s visitors Lutterworth (12.30pm start).

Ivanhoe: 233-8.

Bowling: I. Kirk 8-1-20-0; W. Fazakerley 8-0-45-2; A. Morris 4-0-21-0; B. Hinchliffe 5-0-28-1; R. Townsend 10-0-43-2; D. Botting 10-0-45-2; J. Johnson 5-0-22-1.

Barkby: T. Flowers 12, I. Kirk 116*, R. Townsend 0, S. Flowers 0, C. Percy 16, W. Fazakerley 10*, Extras 9. Total: 163-4.