Ed Barnard says his emotions after firing his maiden List A century are 'bittersweet'.

The all-rounder, who has been bumped into an opening spot prior to the tournament, continued his fine Metro Bank One Day Cup form, with a 161 (152 balls) that included 11 fours and two sixes.

Sitting with 490 runs in seven innings, Barnard has certainly been the player of the competition, but the 27-year-old admits he’d much prefer to get the runs in a win.

Chasing 339 to confirm a home semi-final, the Bears fell agonisingly two runs short of their target.

“It’s pleasing to get the runs, but it’s bittersweet,” said Barnard. “It would have been nice to get the runs in a win, but it was still a great game of cricket.

“It was quite a raucous crowd at times today and they made some great noise. I’ve loved my time here and the crowd have been excellent every game – whether that’s T20, 50 over or in the Championship.

“The lads aren’t too disheartened as we played some great cricket. We’re now looking forward to Hove, which is a great place to play, and hopefully we get the two points we need for that home semi-final.”

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