Somerset Cricket League Division Seven

Burnham 177-8 beat Barrington 162 by 15 runs

LUKE Gowan’s struck a crucial half-century for Burnham 2nd XI as they edged Barrington by 15 runs during Saturday’s Division Seven clash.

Batting at number eight, Gowan crashed an unbeaten 55 in a vital tenth wicket partnership with Paul Grant (21no).

The pair carried Burnham to a competitive score after a top-order collapse had left them staring down the barrel.

Ed Lewis (31) and Andy Ashfold (25) also made telling contributions as Burnham posted 177-8 from their 45 overs.

Having played his part in an important final wicket stand, Grant now turned his attention to bowling – and to good effect.

The seamer took 4-46 with the new ball to blow away the Barrington top order and was well-supported by another hero from the first innings, in Gowan.

Lewis (3-18) and Andy Smith (1-34) accounted for the lower order, before Phil White (1-2) took the final Barrington wicket to secure a tenth win of the season for Burnham 2nd XI.

Burnham sit third in Division Seven, 21 points behind second-place Evercreech and 59 behind leaders North Petherton 2nd XI, with three matches left to play.

They host basement side Chard A on Saturday.