THE penultimate game of Frinton Cricket Week saw Barflies play Barbarians, on Friday.

It turned out to be an amazing contest, which took place under a scorching sun.

Barflies skipper James Pitman won what proved a vital toss and elected to bowl first.

The events which followed were surprising to all concerned.

The Barflies' attack soon penetrated the Barbarians' top order and, by the end of the ninth over, the score was 41 for seven, of which Liam Wilson had posted 20 runs.

Gary Mason worked hard for his 16 and there were useful knocks from Marcus Eatherton and Ian Smith.

However, Barbarians ended up all out for 80 in the 18th over, with a further seven to go.

The five bowlers used showed exceptional skill, with Pitman, Dick Parry and Max Cochrane each taking three wickets and Keith Waller two.

The Barflies lost opener Frenchie Ellis for two but then built a total with a good captains innings by Pitman, supported well by Richard Deane.

However, like in the first innings, wickets began to tumble and, on a good wicket, all Barbarian bowlers also performed to the best of their ability.

Cochrane scored 16 and, in reality, Barbarians simply did not post a high enough target.

Nevertheless, Barflies lost seven wickets in reaching their target and these were shared between Ross McAuley, Ian Smith, Mark Akiens and skipper Keith Hockridge.

Barbarians' man-of-the-match was Mark Akiens, for his excellent bowling (three for 13) and Barflies skipper Pitman was chosen for his all-round performance (three for 17 and 21 runs).