THE Barry Athletic Cricket Club ended their pre-season friendlies with a loss to visitors Penarth.

Winning the toss, Penarth batted first and made a solid start, with former Sully Centurions player Ryan Sylvester hitting 40 before being caught by Paul Murphy off the bowling of Kieron Ferriday with the score on 58. Penarth lost their second wicket with the score on 78, with Cameron being bowled by Murphy, but played well to move the score to 303 for seven in their 45 overs - Davies (66), Skone (49) and Morgan (89).

Barry’s innings got off to a bad start when they lost Murphy to a disastrous run out with the score on three. Ashley Baker proceeded to play with some grace as he hit a run a ball 29 before being out with the score on 44. Craig Brock was next to go for eight, with Nathan Baker joining Hugh Smith before the latter was out for 18 with the score on 79. White and Ellis quickly followed before Nathan Baker reached his 50 and was 54 not out when the innings ended on 149 for six in their 45 overs.

This Saturday Athletic open their league season with a home game against local rivals Sully Centurions - a highly anticipated game since the latter pulled out of the Premier League. It is sure to be closely fought, with some top quality cricket.

As it is many years since the clubs last met in a league game, the people of Barry are encouraged to make an effort to watch this local derby between two old rivals.