Barrow 2nd XI lost last Sunday's Smith Cup final against Egremont 2nd XI by just two runs, despite a brave final-wicket stand between Simon Chadd and Ollie Whalley.

Barrow won the toss and elected to field in the match at Gilfoot Park, which brought the curtain down on the Cumbria Cricket League season.

Egremont had Ellis Gribbin run out early in their innings and were reduced to 18-3 before opener Matthew Hunter helped them to recover slightly by making 23.

However, only two more of their batsmen reached double figures as Egremont were bowled out for just 83 with five overs left unbowled, with Chadd doing superbly for Barrow with the ball in taking 4-13.

With the exception of Lewis Bayman, who made 20, Barrow struggled badly in reply on what was a difficult and were left 37-6 when Bayman was caught behind off Hunter.

Wickets continued to dwindle away and when Pranav Singh (3) was dismissed by Matthew Lancaster, it left them on 54-9 with the end seemingly near.

However, Chadd and Whalley took Barrow to the brink of the most unlikely victory with a partnership of 29, only for them to fall agonisingly short when the latter was out for 16, as he was caught and bowled by Gribbin, leaving Chadd stranded on 21.

Barrow's chief tormentor had been Lee Cruden, who took 5-8 in helping Egremont take the trophy.