The introduction of overseas professional Dineth Thimodya could not bring a quick turnaround to Barrow’s fortunes as they were thrashed by 130 runs at Longridge in the Northern Premier League last Saturday.

The previous week’s encouraging batting display against Fleetwood went out of the window, as they were bowled out for just 89 in reply to Longridge’s 219-9 to fall to their fourth straight defeat

Having put their hosts in to bat, Barrow’s bowlers were frustrated by a superb 90 from opener Dan Wilkinson, who held his side’s innings together with a knock that included 11 fours and two sixes.

Thimodya gave a promising sign of things to come, as he took 4-31, including the wicket of Wilkinson, to finish as the pick of the visitors’ attack.

Barrow’s reply never got started, however, as Justin Pringle and captain Glenn Kermode were dismissed off back-to-back deliveries from Jonathan Millward (3-31).

Thimodya made just a single before being the third wicket to fall, as his new side were eventually bowled out halfway through the 32nd over. Ian Simpson claimed 4-23 for Longridge.

In Division Two of the Cumbria Cricket League, Barrow’s 2nd XI had a much better time of things, as they hammered Haverigg 2nd XI by nine wickets at Ernest Pass.

Not a single Haverigg player reached double figures (extras ‘top-scored’ with 22) as they were skittled all out for 50, Rashid Ahmad (5-8) and Dan Adams (3-16) doing the damage, before the hosts secured victory after 14.4 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 32 from Ahmad.

Millom 2nd XI fell to a 29-run defeat at Egremont’s 2nd XI, as they were bowled out for 118 in reply to their hosts’ 147-9, in which Ben High and Dominic Heasley both took three wickets.