ON what turned out to be a tough day after skipper John Gee won the toss, Barry Athletic Cricket Club's 1st XI entertained Malpas on Saturday.

Batting first on a sunny afternoon at the Island Oval, Athletic looked as if they were going to get a big total, with openers Goodway and Brock well set before the latter was run out for 13 with the score on 31. All of Barry's top four got in but were unable to go on to a big score, with Provis top scoring with 27 and Goodway and Rhett Jones contributing 26 and 20 respectively. Steve (Sticky) Jones showed some resistance at the bottom of the order with 13 before Barry were all out for 129.

In reply, Malpas were reduced to 24 for two, with Steve (Jonah) Jones (one for 38) and Peter Hellyar (one for 18) taking a wicket each, but Francis (65no) and Martin (51no) guided the visitors to an eight-wicket.

In the reverse fixture for the Barry Seconds at Malpas, the home side reached 211 for nine in their 45 overs, with Anwar being the best of the bowlers with five for 26.

Barry replied with 184 for nine, with Martin Baker top scoring with a fine 44, and Billy Usswald and Paul Murphy adding 32 and 31 respectively.

On Sunday the 3rd XI entertained Llantwit Major, with the home side batting first and rattling up a big score of 231 for two, including a fine century from Ashley Davies (105no). Tony Esposti (72no) and Ashley Baker (40) were the other main scorers.

In reply, Llantwit reached 145 for eight, with the main scorers being N Allison (38) and K Davies (31). R Roberts took two for 26 as Barry ran out 86-run winners.

Junior nets take place on Thursday nights (6-7.30pm) at the Island Oval; all youngsters aged seven to15 are invited along to enjoy the beautiful game of cricket.

The club would like to thank Brownfield Green Ltd, currently developing the old Porthkerry Methodist Church, who have kindly donated recycled wood to help with a new fence on the far side of the ground.