BARRY Athletic First XI were narrowly beaten away to Whitchurch Heath on Saturday, succumbing to a six-wicket loss in the South East Wales second division tie.

The hosts surpassed the target of 204 set for them by Barry with just under three overs to spare.

After losing the toss, Barry were put in to bat on a humid afternoon in Cardiff and were quickly reduced to 82-4, before Lee 'the Wall' Morgan and Nathan Baker put on 94 for the fifth wicket. A responsibly crafted 75 from Baker guided the visitors to 203-5 from their 50 overs, ably supported by Morgan who finished on 54 not-out.

What had looked a competitive score from Barry under difficult conditions soon looked under threat however, as the outfield began to speed up in the second innings.

Whitchurch's innings was not without fortune, as dropped catches let Barry down at crucial moments. Contributions throughout the side from Swain (58), Vanos (51 not-out) and Webb (38) edged the hosts towards their target, which they reached with 14 balls to spare.

Gee and Ellis took two wickets apiece for Barry, but it was not enough to prevent their latest defeat.

Barry Athletic Second XI also suffered defeat as they entertained Malpas, despite bowling out the visitors for 198.

Young Wesley Baker took 3-36 on his senior league debut, as well as getting two run outs, as they piled pressure on the visitors. Dave Evans also contributed with 2-23.

But Barry's reply was short-lived, as they were bowled out for 110 with Archer (2-25), Carnevale (2-33) and Hassan (3- 20) the pick of the bowlers.

This Saturday Barry Athletic 1st XI travel to Abergavenny and the 2nd XI entertain Croesyceiliog on The Island.