ON Saturday Barry Athletic Cricket Club 1st XI opened their league season at home to Ponthir on a wonderful sunny afternoon at The Athletic Ground, Barry Island.

Ponthir won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first.

A minute’s silence was held before the game for the sad losses of former club chairman Tim Jordan who sadly passed away early last month and the club also send their condolences to the family of ex-club captain John Gee whose father sadly passed away last month.

The Barry batsmen found it hard to bat on a wicket still damp from the amount of rain that had fallen in April but a couple of batsmen stuck around and Nathan Baker played with maturity and composure as he compiled 31.

Hugh Smith scored a fine 25 as the hosts were bowled out in the 45th over for 142.

J Price 5 for 23 and J Evans 3 for 26 were the main wicket takers.

In reply, Ponthir reached their target for the loss of five wickets in the 42nd over with L Spinetti 49, M Jones 31 and J Price 24 being the main scorers.

Barry's best bowlers were Z Gehlan 2 for 20 and Nathan Baker 1-33 as Ponthir.

Barry's 2nd XI travelled to Monkswood on Saturday and came away with a brilliant win by nine runs.

Barry batted first to reach 134 all out with Ashley Baker 51, D Gamange 29 and E Rane 21 being the main scorers.

In reply, Monkswood scored 125 for 9 with Raza getting 22 runs and Bryant 21.

The best bowlers for Barry were Rane 2 for 13 and Sam Hopkins 2 for 23.

This weekend Barry's 1st XI travel the short distance to Lisvane with the 2nd XI entertaining Sudbrook at The Island.

On Sunday, Barry entertain Penarth in the 1st Round of the Welsh Cup at The Athletic Ground, Barry Island.

Barry Athletic would also like to thank Mark Barrett of Rim Motors for his continued sponsorship and support over the years.