HALE Barns were unable to build on last weekend’s Cheshire Shield semi-final victory as they suffered a fourth consecutive league defeat, at home to Barrow.

Alex Ross claimed his first five-wicket haul for the club, but another poor batting display left the hosts 48 runs adrift of Barrow’s total of 171-9.

A solid opening partnership between Iroshan De Silva and Nuwan Amarakoon gave the away side the upper hand early on, but the introduction of Younas Saeed instantly paid dividends as he took the wicket of Amarakoon (16) with 47 runs on the board in the 13th over.

But further success eluded Hale Barns as De Silva and Alex Reid took Barrow to 110 before Dave Saddington finally made a breakthrough, removing Reid for 25.

De Silva reached his half-century but his knock ended soon after, on 61 off 124 balls, with opening bowler Ross, pictured, gaining his first victim in the 39th over after returning to the attack.

And, having been 154-2, Barrow capitulated with the loss of seven wickets for nine runs.

Saddington doubled his tally to finish with excellent figures of 2-36 from 15 overs, while Sam Smith was terrific in taking 1-16.

It was Ross who stole the show as he dismissed Jarryd Basson for 27 before ripping through the lower order, ending with 5-44 to restrict Barrow.

A new opening pairing of Christian Dodson (18) and Clive Collins (10) lasted 11 overs, but they both departed in quick succession after Malcolm Barrow (3-31) struck three times, Barns slipping to 37-3 from the first 15 overs.

Tommy Smith (15) and Peter Stubbs (11) provided some brief stability but neither could sustain a lengthy stay at the crease as De Silva sent both back to leave Barns in familiar territory at 72-5.

Nick Mumford (2-17) then got in on the act, while De Silva took his tally to four as the collapse continued for the home team, struggling at 98-9.

With 13 overs left to survive, Alex Ross attempted an unlikely rear-guard effort alongside number 11 batsman Saddington but De Silva (5-26) secured his fifth dismissal to wrap things up, ending Ross’ 43-ball resistance for 20 as Barns were bowled out for 123 with 5.5 overs left.

The second XI are enjoying contrasting fortunes, having sealed their fourth successive victory.

James Guest took 4-49 as Cheadle Hulme posted 201 all out, while an opening stand of 150 between James Fullerton-Batten (58) and Callum Schora (84) ensured Barns chased the target down.

The thirds enjoyed a 19-run win against Bramhall to go fourth in the table.