Barr eyes strong finish for Reading

Ben Steele • Published 5 Aug 2009 09:00 0 Comments

READING captain David Barr is hoping that a settled side will help his team finish the Two West campaign in fine style.

The Sonning Lane men have struggled with availability and injury for much of the season, with the bowling attack hit particularly hard in recent weeks.

But Saturday's clash at Finchampstead saw Jamie Hoddle and Luke Beaven return to beef up the attack, while Benny Howell also took his place at the top of the order.

And the captain believes that haveing those players - in addition to Danny Housego - available for the run-in could still see Reading finish their season well.

He explained: "We have had some real problems with injuries this season and preventing that next season might be something we concentrate more on.

"And of course we have had issues with availability of the guys who have commitments with county sides.

"It's certainly tough when you still don't know on Thursday what side you will be able to put on.

"But hopefully we will be able to have a more settled side for the run-in, which would be a big boost."

And while admitting that any hopes of promotion are now consigned to the tray marked 'long shot', Barr believes there will be enough twists and turns over the final furlong to make a finish in the upper reaches of the table a distinct possibility.

He added: "Even in such a competitive league as this, 30 points is probably too far behind with just five games to go.

"We would have to win four of our remaining games - and you have to admit that is an outside bet.

"There are still some twists and turns to come, and if the leaders slip up, then it opens it up for the pack of us just behind.

"But for a club with some of the problems we have had to finish in the top half would still be a pretty decent achievement."

With rain about, another draw always looked the most likely outcome from last weekend's visit of Reading.

After opting to bat first, skipper Russell Lane, pictured right, led the way with 70 as Finch went about trying to set a testing total.

He received good support from Matt Jones (33) and Aaron Todd (45) as the hosts reached 157-1.

But Reading leg-spinner David Hartley then took centre stage, picking up 7-57 as the last nine wickets fell for 85.

But the rains came in the break between innings, and although a brief window saw the visitors rattle up 77-0 from 13 overs, another downpour ended things for good.

Barr said: "It was a frustrating day and the weather ruined what had all the makings of a good game.

"Given the rain we have had, the groundsman prepared a good wicket and we thought that 240 was an achievable target.

"Their top order batted well, but then David came on after lunch and bowled a really good spell to cause them a lot of trouble.

"The rain breaks meant we never had the chance to get going, but we did manage to get in the 70 overs and claim an extra couple of points."

Tweet

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle