SKIPPER Alex Barrow thumped his second century of the game as Devon raced to an eight-wicket win over Oxfordshire at Sidmouth, writes Conrad Sutcliffe
Two tons in game is rare in Devon’s 118-year association with Minor Counties cricket. Former Somerset staffer Barrow is only the fifth batsman to do it. The others, all in the modern era, are Bob Dawson (2204), Neil Hancock (2006), Matt Thompson (2013) and Tom Lammonby (2018).
The context of the knock is far more important than the historical element as far as Devon or Barrow are concerned. It was their first win since round one of six in the Western Division and lifted them to sixth in the table.
Devon need to finish fifth or higher to qualify for the new Division One being introduced next season. They play Cornwall at Exeter last in a game both will have to win to make the cut.
Devon had to make 179 to win in 39 overs and cruised it with more than five overs to spare.
Barrow, who hit 141 in Devon’s first innings, rattled a further 103 not out from 93 balls faced and loosed off 12 fours and three sixes as Oxfordshire’s bowlers suffered.
Jamie Baird, the 16-year-old keeper-batter on placement from the Somerset Academy, was Barrow’s partner in a stand of 150 that as good as won the game.
Baird made 52 and by the time he was run out the target was 20 to win with Peter Trego the next man in. Game over.
It was an exhilarating end to a grueling day for Devon who were in the field for 130.4 overs while Oxfordshire reached 342 all out second time round.
It seemed Oxfordshire were on the slide as they slewed from 262 for five to 263 for eight, but their tail enders added 80 to make a game of it.
The bowling hero for Devon was off-spinner Toby Codd, who took four wickets for 102 runs from 39.4 overs delivered.
Dave Tall, Devon’s director of cricket, said Barrow looked every inch the professional he used to be.
“Alex was a class act and showed it in both his innings,” said Tall.
“He showed patience when necessary, aggression when needed and a range of shots all round the wicket.”
On the team performance, Tall added: “The manner of our win and the concentration we showed to achieve it was excellent.”
Oxfordshire 211 (J A Cater 65, H G K Smith 39, M R Warner 36; P G Trego 2-21, H M Whitlock 2-55, D J Goodey 2-48, M Pugh 2-34, T J R Codd 2-33) & 342 (H G K Smith 95no; J A Cater 61, R D R White 41; T J R Codd 4-102), Devon 375-4 (A W R Barrow 141, P D Trego 103, J E Burke 55no, Z G G Bess 37no) & 179-2 (A W R Barrow 103no; J W Baird 52). Devon (24pts) bt Oxfordshire (2) by 8 wkts.
