BARNSLEY Woolley Miners defeated York by eight wickets in the K3 Dental Cup which they are now hoping to win while believing the result can help take them out of their league relegation zone.
York – one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Yorkshire – made 138 for eight off 30 overs then Barnsley won with 11.3 overs left as Owen Smith starred with the bat.
Captain Liam Johnson said: “It was a very good win and what we needed after some disappointing results.
“Confidence was pretty low.
“But to beat York like that is some win.
“They are the big boys in their league.
“My brother in law plays for them so I know how professional they are. To beat them is a big win for a young side.”
Barnsley are now hoping to compete for the cup which is for teams across the Yorkshire leagues.
Johnson said: “We fear nobody in that cup.
“We will take anybody on.
“We have beaten maybe the strongest side in it at a canter.
“We just need to start believing.
“We made the final of it two years running and fell just short
“All eyes are on going one better.
“You get good crowds, coloured kits, pink balls, and exciting cricket.
“It’s an opportunity to express ourselves.”
Smith who has played for Yorkshire’s second team this season, made 83 not out off 60 balls. He is a 17-year-old wicketkeeper batter.
Johnson said: “He’s frightening.
“We spoke on Saturday after a disappointing result in the league and said that somebody needed to be the man to make a difference.
“Owen has a no fear attitude. He took it to them.
“He’s going to be a superstar and we are grateful we’ve got him.”
Barnsley were bowled out for 100 chasing 143 at Appleby Frodingham in Yorkshire Premier South.
Smith took two stumpings then top-scored with 25.
The Shaw Laners are second-bottom, 12 points off safety.
“The reality is we know we’re in a dogfight now.
“We had a tough start with injuries then your confidence suffers.
“Poor performances and results compound it.
“We need to play more ‘over my dead body cricket’ – really dig in and grind results out.
“I am still not worried. It will come. There is so much talent in that dressing room.
“It’s just transferring our form from cups into Saturdays now.
“It’s not a lack of ability. It’s just confidence and belief.
“In cups, players have freedom because they are bonus games.
“Hopefully the York win will break the shackles and free us up.”
