Longhurst and Barlow shine as United secure 8 points against Rotherham

After losing the toss for the second time after being re-appointed as skipper, Barlow and United again found themselves batting first on a lively pitch. Again, Barlow and new signing James Osmond soaked up early pressure with their second fifty partnership in as many games (Barlow 65 and Osmond 15). With the score at 53 for 1, Neil Longhurst, with the support of Barlow, took the game away from Rotherham with a majestic 147* to leave United on a formidable 292 for 6. The pick of the Rotherham bowlers being Michael Claydon with 4 for 65.

Rotherham lost early wickets in their pursuit of the 293 for victory, with the main resistance coming from Afaq Raheem with a well made 65. With a young bowling attack United showed good discipline both with the new ball and in the middle of the innings led with yet another miserly spell from Tom Fletcher of 5 for 17 off 13 overs. Rotherham were finally bowled out for 145 (Plummer 3 for 42).

Created by Thomas Steel 2005