Saturday 12th August 2023 will probably go down as one of the better cricketing days in the Barnacle household. A day after making Mandy drive all the way to Kent as Gary lost his keys playing golf, 3 of the 4 members of the family hit unbeaten centuries in a remarkable, and probably never to happen again, series of events. George struck an unbeaten 101 in our 2nd XI game against Fives & Heronians. His 105 ball innings contained 8x4s as he shared a stand of 225 with Luke Edwards.

Meanwhile, at Cromer Road, Gary and Tommy both hit unbeaten 100s in the win over Wickford. Gary, who had struck a century last week for Essex Over 60s, dispatched the Wickford attack all over Fielders Sports Ground on his way to 161 off 151 balls. His innings contained 23x4s and 2x6s as the 3rd Xi piled up 377/2. Tommy hit his maiden senior 100; reaching the landmark off 65 balls and saw his hit 18x4s and a maximo. The father-and-son put on 220 for the 3rd wicket as Wickford’s bowlers were put to the sword by the Barney boys.

Not to be forgotten, the 3rd Barney Boy, Freddie, took 2 wickets and a catch in the 2nd team win but rumour has it that he wasn’t invited to the Chinese meal that the centurions had back at the club on Saturday night!

We have checked the records (aka Dougie) and can’t see or recall any incidents of this in the history of the club. We have also reached out on our socials and no one seems to have anything that comes close to this amazing, and somewhat unbelievable, achievement. Well done The Barneys.

Update: Gary’s keys were found in the rough of the 7th hole. They are on their way back to him. It just gets better!