BARLEY got their season back on track on Saturday with a fine win over local rivals Cokenach.

Cokenach won the toss and decided to bat first in glorious sunshine and opener Mat Stevens was lucky to escape in the first over as he appeared to hit his own wicket before being stumped after some lightning glove-work from Allan.

In the end Mickey Ross (2-20) put him out of his misery with a fine caught and bowled for 15. Peter Clarke propped up the Cokenach innings for 36 overs with a marvellous 88 which included several sparkling cover drives for 4.

While he sat back and admired his own handiwork, a succession of Cokenach batters came and went. Dharnsua, newly arrived from the sub-continent, was bowled for a duck by Ross. Phil Seale, static as he basked in the sun, was immediately out lbw for 0 to Brian Symes (1-35) after he had failed to spot a peach of a delivery that not even umpire Syrett could turn down.

Rick Wilson (1-34) clean-bowled Jamil with a yorker after the batsman had hopped down the wicket one too many times. Nigel Syretts then put together a decent partnership with the cramp-stricken Clarke. Leigh Stewart (0-35), bowling a good tight line, was unlucky to be flicked away for several fours.

Confidence and a good eye appeared to triumph over a lack of basic technique until, on 31, he dollied back a caught and bowled to Martin Beedell (3-43).

Botten came in and scratched around for several overs before Beedell had him lbw for 6 before Clarke was then well caught by Haydon Vokes off Beedell. This left John Gill (13) and Ford (5) to finish off the innings with some scampered singles. Cokenach scored 192-7 off their 40 overs.

In reply, the Cokenach bowlers Liam Botten and Ranuka got off to a bad start and produced some wayward deliveries. Botten (2-51), in particular, threw down 35 wides and byes but still managed to dismiss Martin Beedell for 4.

Jamie Walters looked set for a good score but some old failings crept back into his shot selection as he was once again caught at point off Ranuka (1-38) for 25.

Rick Wilson was adjudged lbw for 0 before Chris Allan put on a quick 24. Brian Symes then took on the bowling as Howland finessed the ball around the ground. Stevens briefly stemmed the flow of runs but Ford (0-19) was largely ineffective and Dharnsua (0-12) was wisely rapidly replaced as Symes and Howland who accelerated towards the target.

Barley passed the Cokenach total with yet another four byes. Symes finished on 42* and Howland 49* both not out. Top scorer however, and still owing Barley a jug, was extras with 52.