Grimsby Town handed a Knock Out blow by Messingham

FOR the second year in succession two teams from outside the area will compete for the Grimsby Town CC/Grimsby Institute Knock Out trophy.

After the second semi-final produced the highest scoring game of the competition so far, Grimsby Town lost out to holders Messingham at Augusta Street.

Town set Messingham a huge total of 185 off their 16 eight-ball overs, only to see their opponents claim victory with more than an over to spare after spectators had been treated to some huge hits – 13 sixes and 30 fours.

Messingham won the toss and decided to field, scoring early success when Andy Langford caught and bowled Richard Antcliffe.

Steve Crossley was caught off Danny Rands but Neal Snell and Jaco Scholtz shared 53 before the latter was caught by K Keiran Lindley off Jacob Thorne for 30.

Dammika Gunawardena joined Snell, who after a further stand of 52, was finally bowled by Rands for 74 which he hit off 65 balls, Harry Warwick and Gunawardena took Grimsby to 185 for five at the close, the Sir Lankan making 48 off just 21 balls.

Messingham's chase began with Thorne going out to open with Jason Scheepers, who was bowled by Lee Charlton.

Charlton dismissed Cameran Fletcher, stumped by Crossley. And after Dave Dawson exited after putting on 30 with Thorne, the latter added 103 with knock out stalwart Lee Brocklebank in just six overs.

Gary Tillison bowled man-of-the-match Thorne for 81, but Brocklebank went on to make an unbeaten 61 as he and Langford saw Messingham to a six wicket victory with 14 balls to spare.

Messingham will play Fenner in the final next Monday.