GRIMSBY Town 2nd XI kept up their Lincolnshire County Cricket League division two promotion push with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory against Owmby.

Town captain Dan Wood won the toss and had little hesitation in bowling first in overcast conditions and with rain expected. Although an hour was lost because of showers, Grimsby turned in a ruthless display and gained a maximum 20 points.

Matthew Cocks, playing his first match for over a month, exploited conditions well and returned match-winning figures of five for 25 as the visitors collapsed to 30 for five.

He was ably assisted by Richard Evans who claimed two for 15. Owmby's tail wagged and they eventually posted 91 all out in 40 overs.

This was never likely to be enough and Grimsby cruised to victory, Nigel Fanthorpe 30 not out and Michael Brown undefeated on 29. Earlier Chris Waters had opened the batting and made 25.

Elsewhere, a good-sized crowd were kept entertained at Augusta Street as Grimsby Town 3rds played host to Alkborough in North Lindsey League division three.

Runs flowed freely all afternoon with Grimsby continuing their good form and winning by five wickets with five overs to spare.

For the visitors, Craig Ross made an impressive century, hitting 13 fours on his way to 109. He and B Walker (35) put on 134 for the first wicket as Grimsby's bowlers were made to toil.

It wasn't until part-time spinners Daz Burchall and Steve Crossley entered the attack that wickets began to tumble.

Captain Burchall returned a remarkable five for 17 from only 2.5 overs. He was assisted by wicket-keeper Andy Grainger who claimed two stumpings off his bowling. Crossley, relieved of keeping duties, took four for 41 with his off spin. Alkborough posted 204 for nine in their 40 overs.

After losing two early wickets, Harry Warwick and Brandan Volley got Grimsby back on track with a third wicket partnership of 138. Volley made his highest score of the season, hitting 57, with some impressive straight shots amongst his nine fours.

The prolific Warwick looked set for another century as he made his way to 89 in some style. Driving elegantly down the ground he struck seven fours and was only denied his century when tiredness took over and he edged one behind.

It was left to Crossley, 23 not out, and James McGregor, 19 not out, to see Grimsby home. P Mitchell was Alkborough's most successful bowler, taking two for 42 from his 10 overs.