Khan hits six to finish off Lancaster in testing see-saw encounter

On a typically sporting pitch, skipper Ben Simm opted to bat first and posted a total before the pitch deteriorated.

Openers Jamie Heywood and returning elder brother Craig started watchfully but couldn’t build on their start.

Heywood senior was bowled neck and crop by Daryl Wearing and his departure triggered a major collapse.

Lancaster’s top order looked to be aggressive but the slow paced pitch didn’t allow for expansive strokeplay.

Charlie Swarbrick and pro Abhimanyu Khod departed cheaply playing loose shots before Moorby was trapped lbw.

Single figure scores were common – Kieran Moffat and Heywood followed fellow batsmen back to the pavilion as Lancaster slipped to 55 for 7.

But recovery came in the shape of Rajat Agarwal (29) whose recent form has provided much needed backbone the Lancaster middle order.

He was supported by Iain Perrieman (15no) who took the hosts from a losing score to a competitive one.

Liam Moffat’s career best 23 at number 11 showed up the top order and swelled Lancaster’s innings beyond 120.

With a score just shy of parity, Moffat carried on his good form with the ball taking three early scalps including that of dangerous professional Kaustubh Pawar.

With Lancaster’s bowling stocks depleted by late season injuries and a torn hamstring sustained by Perrieman while batting, it was Simm, Moffat and Swarbrick to the fore.

Michael Wellings and Barrow skipper Toby Mowat denied the hosts with a solid fourth wicket stand and looked to have steered the Cumbrians to a straightforward victory.

Simm took some punishment, conceding boundaries down the ground but Moffat returned to remove Wellings and Swarbrick’s patience and control was rewarded with Mowat’s wicket at 102-5.

With the finish line in sight, Barrow faltered as Simm weaved a spell.

The off-spinner struck taking three wickets in quick succession to leave Barrow eight down with eight required.

Number 10 Javed Khan attempted a tight third to Jamie Heywood and a direct hit looked to have the tailender in trouble.

But the umpire shook his head and the reprieve paved the way for Khan to free his arms, strike a towering maximum and push Barrow over the line.

Lancaster losing by two wickets.