GRANT Roelofsen's first century for Barrow was not enough to help them avoid a five-wicket defeat at home to Blackpool in Northern League Division One.

The South African overseas professional made an unbeaten 101 for the hosts at Ernest Pass, helping them to 209 for 5 at the close of their 50 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Roelofsen received support from opener Toby Mowat, who made 69, but three wickets from Blackpool bowler Matthew Grindley kept Barrow's batsmen in check.

In reply, 74 from opening batsman Matthew Houston set the division's second-placed team on course to chase down the target, with Joshua Boyne falling just two runs short of his half-century as well.

The visitors eventually reached the target with nine balls to spare. Daryl Wearing and Gary Collins were the pick of Barrow's bowlers, with 2 for 43 and 2 for 48 respectively.

The defeat leaves Barrow ninth in the table and they travel to fourth-placed Chorley this Saturday.