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Weeks 14 sees a thrilling climax to division two midweek season

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:00:00 GMT

WEEK 14 of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League saw a thrilling end to the division two championship, but in stark contrast the division one title has been settled without a ball being bowled.

The Springfield Ibwest v Catholic Sports fixture ended up not being played due to an unfortunate set of ground-related circumstances out of the two clubs' control and this gave the current leaders the single point required to clinch the 2010 trophy.

This point rendered the battle of the Old Boys a dead rubber, but Blossom Way came out on top of Western.

The finish to the season, coupled with the two teams dropping out of division one at the very start of the season, has taken the edge of this year's competition. Hopefully with some good quality coming up from division two and a full compliment of teams, next year will see a stronger top flight competition.

As for the battle to play in division one next year, the biggest game of the week was at Augusta Street where Grimsby Town Pumas entertained One Medical 1st.

The Pumas batted first and could only muster 92/4 from 16 overs. Chris Waters carried his bat for 32 but found little support as Hawkins grabbed two wickets.

The Meds smashed their way to their target in double quick time, losing only Batty (13) along the way. Chandika (35no) and Hawkins (33no) brought the game to a close in the 11th over and secured the division two title.

This was the worst possible result for Phoenix as only a defeat for One Medical would have given them a chance of sneaking into the promotion positions.

As it happens, Phoenix did manage a win, beating Wilkin Chapman BWT by 50 runs at the Hospital Ground. Imran top scored with 73 as the Doctors posted 188/7 from 20 overs. Hampson was by far the bowling pick with 4/29.

Such a strong total was always likely to be a challenge and so it proved as only opener Robinson (41) really got to grips with bowling and the innings eventually closed on 138/9.

A win for Phoenix was in turn the worst possible result for Emplex. Their victory over PO Milan by 27 runs put them tied for second place on 18 points with the Pumas and Phoenix.

In a straight fight on head-to-head records between Emplex and the Pumas, Emplex would win on net run rate. However, if you throw the results against Phoenix as well, the 3 way head to head record puts the Pumas on top and therefore they clinch the runners up spot in division two.

For the record, Emplex came out all guns blazing and were 50 for 4 from six overs. Keeper Holmes pouched a couple of catches and Alan Sampson bagged the prized scalp of Chandrasekera for 29.

Waghorn (37) and Maddocks (31) kept up the pace before both fell to Jon Blockley (3/15) and Emplex closed on 144 for 8.

Matty Cocks then decimated the Posties top order, taking 4/13 and leaving them on 23 for 5. Tom Boryszczuk (43no) and Blockley (46) fought back but the damage had been done and the Posties closed on 117/6

In the final game, Willys overcame Old Clee to ensure they finished outside the bottom two positions. Old Clee batted first and battled to a score of 113-8 in their 20 overs.

Contributions by Bloomer (26), Beck (19) and Campbell (14no) were outshone by bowling figures of 5-27 from Gary Cowlam's five overs including four of his victims being clean bowled.

Willy's faced some tight bowling at the start of their inning but after losing Wragg in the first over, Gary Cowlam and Steve Butterfield took control of the game.

Cowlam dominated the bowling to finish with a hard-hitting 70no and although Butterfield fell near the end for 28 which this left Andy Pearson to come in and end the game with a mighty six in the 16th over.

Champions of division three Punjab Lions finished their third successive league season unbeaten with a 32 run victory over Cuxwold.

The Lions amassed 170 for 7 with Indi Hayre making 58no and Mohammed 30. Ratchford, with three for 24, was the leading wicket taker. He then started the reply with an excellent 46 before becoming one of Jaggi's three victims.

He also accounted for Gale after a well made 38. Cuxwold scored more than most against the Lions, but still closed 32 runs short on 132/5.

Rovers and Humberston BW went head-to-head in division three. It turned out to be a real cracker on an excellent Holton wicket.

Rovers partook in the typical end of season jaunt giving everyone a go and they probably wished they had done it more this season as the part timers contributed to one of the best midweek games seen at HLC for a number of years.

HBW made 151/2 from 20 overs with Andy Bagnall (59no) and Shaun Ross (53no) both scoring tremendous 50s against some good bowling. The once a year opening bowling duo of Martin Deans and Taff Thomas, who only conceded 18 off their opening four overs, took the bowling plaudits.

An excellent 57 from Carl Vivins backed up by Danny Barker (30) kept Rovers up with the rate. Lewis Gash (22) then played one of the innings of his career, but Rovers fell agonisingly short by one run.

Needing a six off the last ball for an outright win the ball fell an unbelievable one-yard short of the longest boundary at the Tetney Lane venue and this brought the innings to a close on 150/6.

GRAINTHORPE produced the goods to beat division four rivals Westlands by 10 wickets at the hospital ground.

Rav Bains (5-0-26-2) took his second Westlands wicket when he had S Ford (12) caught, while fellow new-ball bowler Das Callanan (5-0-23-3) picked up three wickets including Pete Manarin for 19. Keal made 23 in the middle order before he became one of four victims for wicket-keeper Paul Chapman, with Phil Burrell (5-0-26-2) profiting. Joe Lyon added 20 not out at the death to give Westlands a total of 108 for nine.

Dave Clark dominated Grainthorpe's reply with an unbeaten 80, while Mike Palmer played second fiddle with 21 not out as they reached their target in the 13th over.

The top two met at the Stamford Club with only pride to play for as the positions had already been settled.

Andy Todd (5-0-27-2) and Andy Pearson (5-0-16-2) had Tetney in trouble with their opening spells. Of the visitors top six, only Hilton, with 13 reached double figures before falling to P Farmery (5-0-36-4). A seventh-wicket stand between Joe Farmery (23) and Jame McGregor (32) helped Tetney reach 123 for nine at the close.

A three-wicket burst from Farmery (5-0-25-3) had Hendry on the backfoot. Jon Battersby top-scored with 30 before he was bowled by Paul Shawcross, who returned excellent figures of 3-1-3-4. Knocks from C Williams (21) and Pearson (10) proved to be of consolation value only, as Hendry were bowled out for 75, to give Tetney 1 48-run victory.

Tony Potter anchored the Woodlands innings for 29 in their game with North Thoresby, while Kev Taylor opted for the agricultural route for his 35 as the home side closed on 106 for four.

Using seven bowlers, Scott Freeman took the bowling honours for Thoresby with two for nine from three overs.

The visitors openers Alex Shreeve and Dean Coultas made 12 and 17 respectively. The game was played in a great end of seasons spirit, and Woodlands fifth bowler Steve Lane, who has been described as the world's slowest bowler, took his opportunity to impress with two for 23, including the dismissal of Dave Richardson (19), his two overs also produced two run outs as Thoresby closed on 90 for six, 16 behind Woodlands.

Novartis 1sts were unable to field a side against Crystal Millennium.

Keelby took the division five runners-up position with a 10-run victory over Norfolkline. Unfortunately, no scoresheet received.

Clee United Old Boys finished third after they chased down Stallingborough's impressive 160 for one.

Stallingborough's only loss came when Bacon (19) was bowled by Mal Launder who returned excellent figures of 5-1-10-1. Bruce Roberts then dominated proceedings, scoring 96 not out, while John Smith (31 not out) gave solid support).

The Old Boys top order gave their side a perfect platform, with Everatt making 26 and Dave Ricketts and Machon both scoring 32 before falling to Nev Crofts (4.2-0-36-2). Rob Kurz and Jim Saunders added eight and seven respectively before they were both caught off Roberts (4-0-27-2). The experienced duo of Graham Hackney (11 not out) and Launder (six not out) completed their five-wicket win in the penultimate over.

Crows Nest 1sts slipped down to fourth place after losing to Clee Vagabonds by 26 runs. The Vagabonds made a good start through Robert Brice (40) and Fred Lumby (32). Change bowler Paul Holmes tore the heart out of Vagabonds top order with a superb spell of five for 13. Tolson made 21 not out to give Vagabonds a total of 122 for seven off 16 overs.

Some desperate running by the Crows' batsmen saw four of them run out, including Lewis McDonald (11), Holmes (20) and Dodds (13). Jimmy Rock was left on 22 not out when Crows Nest closed on 96 for five.

Novartis 2nds ended their division six campaign with three wins our of four and in their final week defeated CSSC Emplex and Crows Nest 2nds.

CSSC bowlers Chris Harrison (4-0-18-2) and Mitchell (4-0-22-2) made short work of the Novartis top-order as only Overton 914) made an impression. Some delightful strokeplay from Jez Mills (31), a typical late flourish from Chris Deans (18) and handy contributions from Short (12 not out) and Ramsden (12) gave Novartis a total of 107 for seven off 16 overs.

In reply, only Starkey (26) offered any resistance against Deans (4-0-15-2), John Fields (2-1-3-3) and Rick McLellan (1.1-0-1-2) as CSSC were dismissed for 43 in the 12th over to give Novartis a 64-run win.

Having been put into bat by Crows Nest, Novartis opted for the traditional end of season reversing the order policy.

The "bowlers" took full advantage of this rare freedom, as Rick McLellan smashed his way to 72 and Kev Short in a similar flurry of boundaries made 49 in a partnership of 133. John Fields added 18 as Novartis finished on 163 for four after 16 overs.

In reply, Crows' Dave Winslow made 24 and N Gray 40, but the total proved too much to chase as the visitors finished on 118 for five. The pick of the nine bowlers used by Novartis, who won by 45 runs, was Gaz Ramsden (2-0-5-2).

Champions Post Office Milan 2nds visited second-placed Phoenix 2nds with their positions settled.

Phoenix lost their first wicket for 31 in the sixth over. Gareth Cook (78) and Jason Stead (38) then added 78 in eight overs for the second wicket before both batsmen fell to Chris Bontoft (3-0-26-2), Craig Dickson made 13 not out as Phoenix closed on 146 for three from 16 overs.

The Posties lost their first wicket for 37 when Stannard was out for 13. Two runs later, Bontoft was bowled by Dickson (4-0-11-2) for 14. Tony Jennings added 11, before Andy Dulieu (4-0-28-4) took great delight in bowling his old teammate Chris Sylvester for a duck to give him his fourth wicket. Andy Currie was on 11 not out when the Post Office Milan closed on 78 for six, to give Phoenix a 68-run win.

CSSC Emplex suffered their second defeat of the week when they went down to One Medical 2nds by 56 runs.

One Medical's openers Scales and Moore both scored 12, but their main contributors were Hawkins (26) and Kirwin (42 not out). Chris Harrison took two for 22 from three overs, while eight not out from Cant gave One Medical a total of 124 for four off 16 overs.

CSSC crumbled against the bowling of Heeney (3-0-20-3) and Craigey (4-1-25-4) as only Karl Sykes (18) and Nik Bradshaw (11) got into double figures with CSSC all out for 68.

After holding Corinthian Jedis to 121 for eight off 20 overs bottom of division seven side Huntsman Hotspurs won by 10 wickets.

Kev Tilby (58 not out) and Matt Cooley ( 40 not out) were the openers who saw their side home with three balls to spare.

Clee Academy powered their way to a 35-run victory over Oasis Academy after scoring 134 for five off 16 overs.

L Markham dominated the scoring with 54, while fellow opener R Holberry made 27 and J Latimer was undefeated on 27 when the overs ran out.

Oasis lost Darren Burchall (17) to I Mansfield (2-0-7-1) and B Volley (14) to a run out. Steven Broderick (nine) was bowled by D Mansfield (2-0-7-1) and Hall (2-0-4-2) bowled two good overs to bowl Oasis out for 48 inside 10 overs.

Whitgift were held to 64 for six in their 16 overs by second-placed Healing RBL. Opener Grest top-scored with 30 before falling to Healing's chief wicket-taker Parker (2-0-3-2).

Grest completed a fine game by taking two for seven from four overs in Healing's reply, and included Altoft (13) amongst his victims. Two more wickets fell, before Winship (19 not out) and Topliss (10 not out) guided Healing RBL to their six-wicket win at the end of the 13th over.

The game between Grimsy Institute and 3Q was rained off.

Springfield need one point to be crowned top-flight champions

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:00:00 GMT

SPRINGFIELD Ibwest need just one point at lowly Catholic Sports to wrap up the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League division one title this week.

Barring an upset comparable with the David versus Goliath fixture from a few years ago, Springfield will be crowned champions.

Second-placed Blossom Way Old Boys can win their remaining game against cup kings Western OB.

But that victory would prove insignificant if Springfield clinch the solitary point they need.

A superb victory over the aforementioned Western OB put Springfield within touching distance of the title.

Batting first, the Old Boys posted a more than respectable 132 for three from 16 overs, with the big-hitting Stuart Airey scoring 49 and fellow opener Jamie Richardson making 30 – before being run out.

The Springfield reply suffered the early loss of Hollamby, for one, but this brought the Osmond brothers together and they set about the Western attack.

James carried his bat for 74no and Alex backed him up with 54no; the target was reached with seven balls to spare.

The other match taking place in division one saw Catholic Sports win a 'basement battle' against Waltham Millers, by four runs.

Catholic set 115 for four from 16 overs, with Hughes (33) G Clarke (31) and Henry (37no) in the runs.

Judah, with a superb opening spell of 4-2-6-2, was the only bowler to have any real joy.

The Millers' reply started strongly, with Judah (36) and Griffin (22) building a solid platform.

However, change bowlers Hughes (three for 25) and Liam Clarke (two for 13) snatched both the initiative and then the points as the middle order crumbled and the overs ran out with the Villagers on Nelson.

The division two title race, meanwhile, will go to the last game of the season.

Grimsby Pumas and One Medical 1's title-deciding match was set up after both teams failed to pick up points last week, leaving the Pumas needing just a point to claim the silverware.

The Meds were unable to raise a side and the Pumas fell to a three-run defeat at Emplex.

The Pumas managed to bowl out Emplex at the start of the 19th over for only 113 runs.

Marcus Meadows held the innings together, scoring 54 before becoming one of the three victims of experienced seamer Nick Gibbons' hat-trick.

The Pumas' reply was anchored by Harry Warwick, who top-scored with 33.

But even with good contributions from Taylor (20no) and White (25), some impressive catching and tight bowling – notably from Lond (two for 31) – at the death meant the Pumas fell short.

With PO Milan also unable to raise a team, the only other division two game was near the foot of the table – Willys and Wilkin Chapman BWT battling to stay out of the bottom two.

Wilkin Chapman BWT batted first and found runs hard to come by from the start as bowlers Sunley 5-1-13-1 and Tunney 5-0-25-2 took the initiative, aided by some good catching in the field.

E Carlton scored 21 before being caught on the boundary by Ellis. BWT were 39 for 3 after 10 overs.

P Robinson (24no) and C Laister (11) tried to move the score along quicker, and pushed the final total on to 103 for 7 after the 20 overs.

R Cowlam 5-0-23-2 was the pick of the change bowlers.

Willy's needed a good start to their innings but lost three batsmen quickly; C Laister 5-0-24-4 bowled an excellent opening spell leaving Willy's 20 for 3 after four overs.

Lee Melville (39) and B Marris (14) then went about rebuilding the innings and when Melville was eventually seventh out the score was 94 in the 18th over.

Despite S Laister's economic spell of 5-0-15-1, Tony Melville (21no) took charge and ensured he was on strike at the right time.

Late run outs kept the score in check, but Melville scrambled the winning runs off the last ball of the game to give Willy's a one-wicket victory.

CHAMPIONS Punjab Lions continued their winning run with victory over Humberston Blossom Way in division three of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League.

The game was dominated by Pali Gill (pictured) who, following Indi Hayre's 53, came out at number five and smashed a late 32no in the Lions' total of 133 for three.

He then proceeded to open the bowling and take four for 14 before donning the wicket-keeper's mitts and helping himself to a catch and two stumpings – it was a true all-round performance.

Udi Sheikh also bowled well, returning three for 12.

Despite Sharp's 32 at the top of the order, HBW were all out for 76.

Meanwhile, Bradley Old Boys' division three game against Cuxwold was rained off.

TETNEY clinched the division four championship crown with a seven-wicket victory over Woodlands.

Woodlands openers C Greaves and Paul Fannon both scored 17 before falling to Paul Shawcross (4-0-19-3).

M Brown added 13 and Cullen hit 28 not out.

Joe Farmery took two for seven from three overs as Woodlands closed on 109 for seven after 16 overs.

Jack Harrison led Tetney's reply, but lost fellow opener Dean Jacklin, who was bowled by Greaves for 11.

After another wicket fell, Harrison was also bowled by Greaves (4-0-29-2) for 58, leaving J Fountain (12 not out) and D Harvey (23 not out) to complete the victory for Tetney after 13 overs.

Grainthorpe condemned North Thoresby to one of the two bottom places after an explosive batting display at the hospital.

Mike Palmer was the first Grainthorpe batsman to fall, having made 20. Conor Elvidge (66) and Phil Burrell (94 not out) then dispatched the bowling to all parts of the ground as the home side closed on 202 for two after 16 overs.

Thoresby then lost early wickets to D Callanan (4-0-13-1) and Ashley Smith (3-1-20-2).

J McDonnell (20) and Scott Freeman (11) fell to Rav Bains (2-1-4-1) and Palmer (4-0-29-2) respectively, while an unbeaten 30 from Chris Padley gave Thoresby a total of 88 for seven, 114 behind Grainthorpe.

With just one more found of matches to play, the battle for the division five runners-up spot is between three teams.

Crows Nest 1sts lie in second place after their nine-wicket win over Norfolk Line.

Jimmy Rock bowled a tidy spell for the Crows, conceding 10 runs from three overs.

Norfolk Line then enjoyed a good second-wicket stand between Hilldreth (34) and S Arundel (21) before both batsmen were dismissed by Paul Holmes (3-0-20-3), as the visitors closed on 86 for five after 12 overs.

Crows Nest lost Lewis MacDonald for 29, before Holmes (28 not out) and Andy Edwards (22 not out) completed the victory with an over to spare.

Keelby stand third on the same points as Crows Nest and in their latest game limited Stallingborough to 80 for eight after 20 overs.

The main contributions for the home team came from their two openers: John Smith (22) and Wade (23). For Keelby, Fytche was the chief wicket-taker with four for 21 off five overs.

After a strong start, Keelby lost their first wicket when Phillips fell on 30.

Opener Travis (21 not out) was joined by Bevis (22 not out) and this pair secured Keelby's nine-wicket win in the 14th over.

Champions Clee Vagabonds played host to promotion contenders Clee United Old Boys at Chichester Road, where an exciting game ensued.

Mike Harness opened the Vagabonds' innings and scored 21 before becoming one of Trevor Church's (5-0-26-4) four victims.

Fred Lumby and Paul Coultas made 22 and 21 respectively before they were both dismissed by Graham Hackney (5-0-33-2).

The Vagabonds closed on 120 for seven, with Tolson (21 not out) and Craig Brown (12 not out) unbeaten in the middle.

Old Boys openers Mike Hart and Machon went for nine and 15 respectively, with the latter falling to Carter (5-1-24-2). Rob Kurz added 18 as Hackney led the chase, while Dave Ricketts contributed nine.

Requiring five to win off the last ball, Clee United hit a four to tie the game. Hackney remained unbeaten on 51 while Richard Hull made nine not out.

Phoenix clinched the division six runners-up spot after gaining a comfortable 67-run victory over CSSC Emplex.

A good second-wicket stand for Phoenix between Tim Tait and Jason Stead came to an end when Chris Mitchell (4-0-13-3) had Tait caught for 31.

Stead batted throughout the rest of the innings and his 57 not out helped Phoenix reach 112 for six after 16 overs.

In reply, CSSC crumbled against Henry Gillott (4-0-19-4) and Andy Dulieu (4-0-21-2) as only Jeff Hutchinson (14) made double figures.

Tim Gillott (1.3-0-2-3) and Craig Dickson (1-0-2-1) polished off the tail as CSSC were bowled out for 45.

It is often said that lbw decisions are almost impossible to achieve in the midweek league, but in one match four of the 16 wickets fell that way - which is possibly a league record.

Top played bottom when Post Office Milan 2nds welcomed Novartis 2nds to Barretts, with the visitors battling first.

A superb opening spell from Andy Currie (4-0-10-4) had Novartis struggling on 33 for five after eight overs.

Martin Robinson (20) and Short (10) led a fightback until they were both dismissed by Ian Bontoft (4-0-21-4) while an unbeaten 10th-wicket stand of 28 between Chris Deans (18 not out) and John Fields (11 not out) gave Novartis a total of 90 for nine from 16 overs.

The Posties lost their first wicket in the fourth over when Deans (4-0-30-2) had Glyn Benbow (14) caught on the boundary by Fields.

Fellow opener Nathan Stannard (37) held the innings together with good support from Gwyn Frendenberg (eight) and Ian Johnstone (14), whose last bat was back in 1997.

The three aforementioned batsmen all fell to Fields (3.5-0-16-3) leaving PO Milan needing five off the last over, and with a beautifully struck drive for four from Paul Cape-Melbourne (six not out) they clinched their four-wicket victory with one ball to spare.

One Medical 2nds made a decent start through their openers Swift (24) and Moore (12) in their game with Crows Nest 2nds.

An unbeaten 37 from Hawkins gave One Medical a total of 113 for five from 16 overs, while A Hotchin (4-0-43-2) picked up two wickets for the home side.

Crows' opener N Gray set off at a cracking pace, blasting 55 before succumbing to Cant (3.2-0-15-1) Tom Brierley (19 not out) and Richie Hopkins (14 not out) sealed the Crows Nest nine-wicket win in the penultimate over.

3Q wrapped up the division seven championship when their game with closest rivals Healing RBL was rained off.

Grimsby Institute won their second successive game after a fine bowling display held Whitgift to 42 for five off 16 overs.

Richard Braithwaite (10) top-scored for the home team, while fellow opener Grest made nine before falling to Salesh (4-0-8-1).

Two parsimonious spells from change bowlers Pete O'Connor (4-1-4-2) and Ian Barnsley (4-2-6-1) kept the shackles on the Whitgift batsmen.

The Institute lost three wickets, two to Grest (3-0-12-2) before Satesh (31 not out) saw them home to a seven-wicket victory in the seventh over.

Clee Academy 2nds bowled Huntsman Hotspurs out for 76 inside 19 overs, as Hornby took three for 17 off five overs.

Fellow new-ball bowler Knapton (5-1-15-2) had Kevin Tilby caught for 20, while Robinson (4-0-23-3) accounted for Nicholson (22) and Greenhough (4.2-0-15-2) took the last wicket, with Matt Cooley stranded on 20 not out.

The Cleethorpes innings was built around an unbeaten 50 from Markham, and they notched their seven-wicket win at the end of the 15th over.

Punjab Lions claim third successive title after becoming division three champions

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 GMT

PUNJAB Lions clinched a third successive title in the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League as they became division three champions.

There are no certainties in sport but the Lions being crowned again has looked nailed on since the first game of the season.

Last season they were division four and Grimsby Sevens champions having won division five the previous year.

They secured their latest title in week 12 of the season with a crushing 116-run victory over Bradley OB.

Lions posted 145 for six in 18 overs with opener Rakesh (43) and No6 Pali (49) scoring freely before they both fell to Donoghue (three for 52).

Old Boys' reply was in trouble from the beginning as they were reduced to six for five with Girish (3-2-3-3) and Pali (3-1-5-1) causing havoc.

No9 Martin top scored with 10 before falling to Sandhu (5-2-5-2) and Bradley were all out for 29 in the 17th over.

HLC Badgers cruised past Rovers thanks in no small part to a great all-round performance by West.

First he took four for seven from four overs as Rovers were restricted to 78 for eight from 16 overs.

Howard removed both openers before Taff (23) staged a mini revival.

Once he fell the rest found West almost unplayable. He was soon in action with the bat as he scored 36no and helped steer his side to victory by eight wickets with four overs to spare.

Humberston BW are also in the winning habit having dispatched the villagers of Cuxwold by nine wickets.

Cuxwold could only muster 52 for seven with Skudder top scoring with 16 and Dent, N Bagnall and Freeman all in amongst the wickets.

HBW then set about the modest target and reached it comfortably. Sharpe (25no) contributed the most runs and the win was confirmed in the 13th over.

In division one, Springfield Ibwest managed to put one hand on the title with a solid victory over Waltham Millers.

Openers Alex Osmond (42) and Hollamby (68) dominated and pushed their side to 136 for three from 16 overs.

Millers' reply saw two early runouts leave them reeling. Rich Griffin (40no) and Stuart Harvey (35no) started to fight back but they were always behind the rate and eventually they closed on 104 for three, 32 runs adrift.

Western OB strengthened their hold over third place with a comfortable 61-run win over Catholic Sports.

Consistent scoring throughout the top order allowed the Old Boys to post 113 for six.

Airey was top scorer with 30 while Carr led the bowling with two for 32.

In reply, opener Barlow joint top scored with 11 before becoming one of Dennis Parker's two victims.

No8 G Clarke also managed 11 before falling to Dunn (two for seven) and Xiarchos (two for two) and Rendall (two for nine) also managed to bag braces as the Catholics slumped to 52 all out inside 15 overs.

The race for the division two title is still wide open with any of the current top three mathematically capable of winning the race. Tuesday's encounter between Grimsby Pumas and One Medical, the current top two, could well have the trophy resting on its outcome.

Pumas, entertaining Phoenix, batted first and opener Chris Waters was still there at the end having run up 63no of the total of 110 for three from 16 overs.

Pumas' opening bowler Nick Gibbons cast injury problems to one side and dismissed three of the Phoenix top order for only 18 runs.

Faisal was standing firm but, when Waters sent him back to the pavilion for 40, Pumas seized their chance and rattled through the doctors' tail. Waters completed a superb all-round match with figures of four for 31 and Phoenix were all out for 99 giving the Pumas an 11-run victory.

Hot on the Pumas' heels are One Medical 1sts who overcame Emplex in a high-scoring match.

Rob Baty carried his bat for One Medical, crashing his way to a superb 101 not out.

Ably supported by Chandika with 42 and Ullah with 22no, the home side reached an impressive 168 for one from 16 overs.

The strong Emplex batting line-up made a solid start and was up with the required rate at the halfway point thanks to Chandrasekera (21), Blackburn (23) and Maddocks (26).

However no-one could go on to make the big score required and a 31no from Waghorn still left them 27 runs short on 141 for seven.

Change bowlers Chandika (two for 22) and Hawkins (two for 31) kept it tight at the death and pick up the plaudits with the ball.

PO Milan 1's chances of overtaking either of the top two took a huge blow as they fell to a 63-run defeat at home to Willy's.

The visitors helped themselves to 140 for seven from 20 overs with R Cowlam top-scoring with 45.

The Posties were far from their usual first class standard as P Sunley ripped through the top order to finish with four for 29 from five.

Holmes (25) was the only batsman to show any resistance with 25 as wickets fell regularly and PO Milan were all out in the 14th over for 77.

They responded with a fine win over Old Clee, which not only goes some way towards maintaining their second tier status for a fifth consecutive year, but also condemns their opponents to the Division Two wooden spoon.

In-form Eddie Carlton (46), Simon Thompson (29) and Adam Aisthorpe (22) contributed well to a decent target of 131 for visitors Old Clee to chase.

But two wickets in the first two overs of the reply put a huge dent in their efforts.

Bloomer (35no) and Burnett (32no) battled on but with John Hampson (three for 27) claiming three middle order wickets without conceding a run, Old Clee fell short by 13.

Hendry Electrical strengthened their position for promotion from division four with a seven-wicket win over Crystal Millennium.

Crystal Millennium lost openers Hardy (26) and Neil Burniston (31) to change bowler R Pearson (5-0-24-2), while an unbeaten 22 from Welsh gave them a total of 94 for two from 20 overs.

Jon Battersby opened the Hendry reply with Phil Parsons, who was the first to go for 23.

Battersby lost two more colleagues, but his undefeated 47, along with eight not out from P Lynch, saw Hendry Electrical home at the start of the 18th over.

Grainthorpe made a solid start, losing their second wicket for 69 after 10 overs when Elvidge fell on 26, against promotion hopefuls Woodlands.

Change bowlers Johnny Leach (3.2-0-15-3) and Paul Fannon (3-1-7-3) induced a huge collapse and having dismissed the well set Chapman (24) and Marsh (24), knocked over the next four batsmen for ducks.

The final wicket gave Fannon his third catch and Grainthorpe were 78 for eight all out in the 15th over.

Woodlands paced their reply perfectly with opener Kev Taylor (25) providing a strong foundation for skipper Fannon (27no) to achieve the seven-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.

S Ford (23) and Tommy Watson (nine) gave Westlands a solid start when they played host to Novartis 1sts.

M Powell, with a fine 55, and Patterson (32) increased the momentum, and with Ken Meech adding 15no, Westlands closed on 159 for four off 20 overs.

Ford opened the bowling for Westlands and took three for 28 in five overs, while his new-ball partner Pete Manarin bowled a parsimonious spell of 5-1-6-2 and included D Mawer (13) amongst his victims to put Novartis in real trouble.

Their top-scorer D Cole made 17 before falling to Powell (5-0-35-2) and some late runs came from L Cox (13), B Mawer (16no) and D Jackson (12no) as Novartis closed on 93 for eight, 66 behind Westlands.

Ibwest final new date

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 GMT

THE Ibwest Cup final, the knockout showpiece of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League, has been put back a week to Monday, August 9.

It will take place at Chichester Road, the home of Cleethorpes Cricket Club.

The switch means spectators will not now have a decision to make whether to attend the Ibwest final or the Grimsby Town/ Grimsby Institute Knock Out final, which takes place at Augusta Street between Fenner and Messingham tonight, weather permitting.

Two-horse race for top honours in Midweek Cricket League

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

SPRINGFIELD Ibwest and Blossom Way Old Boys extended their lead at the top of division one with victories in the John Pettit Grimsby & District Midweek Cricket League.

Leaders and defending champions BWOB secured a 21-run victory over Waltham Millers.

The Old Boys batted first and, with the exception of Todd (20), all the top order struggled with the bat as Shelton (three for 31) made early inroads.

A late 23 from Nigel Fanthorpe ensured that they carded a respectable 112 for seven despite the best efforts of Harvey (two for 29) and Rob Griffin (three for 28).

In reply, the Millers' top order stuttered, with both openers falling to Hodgson (two for 24).

Number four Shelton completed a fine all-round game with a knock of 32 before becoming one of Thompson's three wickets for 23 runs.

Tillison (two for 28) was also amongst the wickets and the villagers closed on 91 for eight from their 16 overs.

Springfield Ibwest made short work of their victory target of 80 against Holton le Clay Exiles.

Earlier, P Jackson had top scored with 24 as two wickets apiece for Alex Osmond, pictured, and Matt Owen restricted the visitors to 79 for six.

Osmond went on to dominate the run chase as his 52no, allied to Alex Hollamby's 20, saw Springfield to victory inside 11 overs.

They remain one point behind BWOB but with a game in hand and a superior head-to-head record.

Grimsby Pumas continue to lead the way in division two thanks to a four-wicket win against Willy's with just four balls to spare at the Stamford Club.

Willy's batted first, Chris Wragge (17) and Gary Cowlam (20) who scoring 24 off the first three overs.

The loss of Wragge to Gibbons (5-1-21-2) did put the brakes on the scoring, with even top -scorer Steve Butterfield (31) and the rest of the middle order finding the ball hard to get away.

A quick-fire 14 from Paul Sunley and 15 from Rob Cowlam at the death enabled Willy's to reach a respectable 122 for seven.

In reply, C Waters (36) was caught in the deep off Sunley (5-0-19-1).

P Taylor (27) and J Miller (16) both kept up the Pumas' required run rate but fell to G Cowlam (5-0-32-3).

T Lehman (23) brought the winning post in sight and, with three required off the last over, S Drinkell (5no) scored them off the second ball.

Two points separate the top five teams in division two with three weeks of the season remaining.

PO Milan 1 consolidated their position in third with a seven-wicket victory over fellow contenders Phoenix 1.

The Doctors batted first and struggled against the new-ball pairing of Hostad (three for 35) and Sampson (one for 12).

It wasn't until Chauhan (33no) entered the fray that a good score looked possible, but he ran out of partners before the 20 overs were up and Phoenix only posted 105 all out.

Phoenix then proceeded to use seven bowlers in an attempt to swing the game back in their favour.

Naeem had some success, dismissing both openers, but this brought A Holmes to the crease and his unbeaten 39 in tandem with Glyn Benbow's 20no guided the Posties to a seven-wicket win with 20 balls to spare.

Emplex also stayed in contention for a top-two finish with a convincing victory over Wilkin Chapman BWT.

Despite an early wicket, BWT made a solid start to their innings with Eddie Carlton (41) and Thompson (23) putting on a 45-run partnership.

This was followed by some useful late hitting from Kev Laister (25) and Hampson (20) which propelled their side to 124 for six from 20 overs.

Pick of the Emplex bowlers was P Cliffe, with two for 16 from only three overs.

Emplex's reply also lost a wicket early but Blackburn (38), Chandrasekera (57no) and Searle (22) punished the bowling attack.

BWT were short in the field due to an injury and Emplex exploited this expertly and reached the target with five overs and eight wickets to spare.

In division three, the Punjab Lions moved to within one point of mathematically securing the championship with victory over Holton le Clay Badgers.

For once, though, the Lions didn't have it all their own way and, but for an inspired bowling spell from Udi Sheikh, could well have slipped to their first defeat.

The Lions chose to bat first and found opening bowler S West in unplayable form.

He finished with figures of 4-3-4-3 which included the prize scalps of Sandhu (four) and Hayre (two).

The scoreboard was kept ticking over by Vishnu (23) and Mohammed (28) but the Lions could only struggle to 96 for nine from their 16 overs.

In reply, Hewson with 29 helped the Badgers recover from the loss of two early wickets, with Girish (three for 18) the successful bowler.

Sheikh then came into the attack and produced some spin magic to bamboozle the Badger's middle order and tail.

He finished with figures of 3.5-0-13-5, which included a hat-trick. All of his wickets were clean bowled.

The Badgers made 65 all out and a relieved Punjab lions team saved their unbeaten record.

Bradley Old Boys continued their improved form with a comfortable victory over Rovers at HLC.

The Old Boys set 116 for five with opener Donoghue (51) top scoring and Gilby backing him up with 26.

Both fell to Kershaw, who was the pick of the Rovers bowling with three for 30.

The Rovers' reply was soon in trouble as bowlers were taking wickets regularly. Pearson, Clarke and Donoghue all bagged three victims apiece as Rovers slumped to 72 all out in the 19th over.

HENDRY Electrical kept their division four aspirations alive with a last-ball victory over Grainthorpe.

Grainthorpe were given a good start by the second-wicket pairing of Pridgeon (38) and Elvidge (44), who fell to a superb catch by Craig Williams off Andy Pearson (5-0-35-2).

Lehman (5-0-30-2) picked up his second wicket when he bowled Aston for 25, as Grainthorpe closed on 133 for six.

Hendry's openers, Darren Gamwell (39) and John Battersby (29), gave their side a solid start before they were both dismissed by Chapman (5-0-36-3), who also accounted for Jamie Pearson (nine).

Elvidge (5-0-29-2) chipped in with two wickets, but man of the match Williams (30no) held his nerve and hit two off the final ball to seal a four-wicket win.

An outstanding unbroken opening partnership of 184 in just 16 overs between Lee Charlton (92no) and Mike Binns (82no) paved the way for Crystal Millennium's 79-run victory over Woodlands.

Paul Fannon top-scored in Woodlands' reply with 25 before he was caught off B Grainger (3-0-27-2), who also dismissed Nigel Walker (12).

Stuart Mulligan and Martin Robinson added 18 and 14 respectively, while an unbeaten 11 from Keith Taylor gave Woodlands a final tally of 105 for five.

Westlands reached 99 for three off 16 overs in their game with league leaders Tetney.

Bell made 22 for the visitors and fellow opener Ken Meech was bowled for 25 by Tetney's bowling pick, Paul Shawcross (4-1-15-1).

Powell saw the innings through to its conclusion with 30 no.

Westlands old boy Jack Harrison (34) and Dean Jacklin (18) both fell to Pete Manarin (3-0-26-3), before James McGregor (10no) and Joe Farmery (31no) completed the seven-wicket win for Tetney in the 15th over.

Only one game beat the weather in division fiveand it saw Crows Nest 1sts defeat Keelby by eight runs.

Crows' Lewis McDonald batted throughout the 16 overs for his 53no after losing his opening partner Paul Holmes (37) to S Robson (3-0-15-2).

Jimmy Rock added 10 as Crows Nest closed on 126 for three.

Keelby opener Matty Bevis continued with his rich vein of form, after his recent century and 90no. He led his side's chase with 60.

He received support from Robson (12) and D Bevis (15), and a 7no from A Briggs gave Keelby a total of 118 for three.

A fine all-round game from Chris Harrison set up CSSC Emplex's five-wicket win over Crows Nest 2nds in division six.

Harrison took the new ball for the visitors and dismissed the Crows' openers Tom Brierley (18) and Dave Winslow (nine), the bowler finishing with four for 20 from four overs.

Richie Hopkins struck 32 before falling to Rushby (4-0-14-1) and A Hotchin made 16no.

But with Karl Sykes (4-0-20-2) bagging two late wickets, Crows Nest closed on 96 for seven after 16 overs.

CSSC lost three early wickets in their reply, including Chris Bignell for 10.

They fought back, however, with a fourth-wicket stand between Harrison (30) and Peter Hardisty (13) and CSSC Emplex secured their victory in the penultimate over.

Meanwhile, a devastating spell from Winship set up Healing Royal British Legion's eight-wicket win over division seven rivals Huntsman Hotspurs.

Winship took six for five in just three overs.

That came after a promising start from Huntsman's openers Matt Cooley (15) and Smith (21).

Pete Rouse made the only other notable contribution, with 11, before he fell to Mumby (1.1-0-4-2), and with Irvine taking two for 17 from three overs, Huntsman were bowled out for 60 in the 16th over.

Healing lost their second wicket when T Caulfield was dismissed for 16, but soon after A Bray (32no) sealed the win in the 10th over.

Grimsby Institute lost opener Michael for 12 when he was run out, before a three-wicket burst from Corinthian Jedis new-ball bowler Collins (5-1-24-3) put them on the backfoot.

The Institute recovered, however, through the middle-order pairing of O'Conner (12) and Goodman (15), who was bowled by Moore (4.5-0-16-2).

Bradley (17no) and Rutherford (10) continued the fightback to give Grimsby Institute a total of 95 before they were bowled out on the penultimate ball of the 20th over.

The Jedis made a positive start through openers Kelly Drewery (10) and Watson (19), who was caught off Rutherford (4-0-13-2).

N Collins (28no) and C Moore (16no) completed Corinthian Jedis' seven-wicket victory in the 13th over.

3Q have claimed the points over Clee Academy, who postponed their game on the morning of the match. The game between Whitgift and Oasis Academy was rained off.

Holton-le-Clay and Western Old Boys in semi-finals of Ibwest Cup knockout

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

HOLTON-le-Clay and Western Old Boys and have booked their places in the semi-finals of the Ibwest Cup knockout competition.

Western clinched their place in the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League tournament with a seven-wicket defeat of Blossom Way Old Boys.

Blossom Way were contained to 85 for five in their 16 overs, Ian Hallam claiming two for 33.

Although Danny Portas took two for 20 in his four overs it was not enough to stop Western chasing down their moderate target.

Holton-le-Clay are through to the semis at the expense of Punjab Lions, following a four-wicket victory at Tetney Lane.

Punjab struggled against a fine opening spell by the miserly Paul Jackson (5-1-10-2) and Andy Langford, with only 39 on the board at the halfway stage.

Dale Chambers continued his great form with the ball to return figures of four for 15 from his five overs, helped by Jason New behind the stumps (four victims).

Sandhu managed 35 but only two other batsmen reached double-figures to leave Holton needing 110 to win after the addition of the handicap runs.

Pete Briggs and Alan Tyler made a rapid start, conscious of the ever-fading light. And when Tyler fell for 16, in the seventh over, the total stood at 51.

Briggs then scored 46 before falling with the score on 85 at 16 overs, and it was left to New and Jackson to see Holton home in the dark with five balls to spare.

Hayre bowled tightly to take one for 17 but the others went for more than six runs an over.

The other quarter-finals have yet to played. Springfield Ibwest take on Catholic Sports while One Medical 1 face Grimsby Pumas, formerly Barton Windows.

In the previous round, Western OB were involved in an amazing 20 overs-a-side contest against Phoenix, in which both teams topped 200.

Western's 208 for three included 69 from Paul Ridley and 59 not out from Adreas Xiarcos.

Phoenix made 202 for six (Jaffri 118no) as Paul Rendall claimed two for 40.

First division champions Blossom Way cruised through with a confident 76-run win against North Thoresby, from division four.

But credit must go to the young Thoresby team – led by the evergreen Dave Richardson – who were prepared to play in atrocious conditions to get the game completed.

The final few overs were played in pouring rain and near-darkness, earning the plaudits of the Old Boys, who said the Thoresby lads were "a credit to their club."

Old Boys' 123 for five was based on Rob Todd's 37 and Garry Tillison's big-hitting 43 as Padley took two for 19 and Freeman two for 25.

Thoresby were not overawed by the champs but found runs hard to come by, Richardson's 14 not out being the only significant resistance in their 47 for five, with Ady Portus managing two for 11.

In the second round, Blossom Way OB had defeated Waltham Millers by five wickets, with just three balls to spare.

Millers were put into bat by Old Boys' skipper Nigel Fanthorpe and it soon paid dividends, three wickets falling for 12 runs to Tony Whiteman (4-0-15-2) and Ady Portus (4-0-22-2).

But then the tie turned on its head as man-of-the-match Rob Griffin, the Cleethorpes-based all-rounder, played an intelligent knock of 47 not out, ably assisted by Sands (13) and Brian Nicholson (12) to lift Millers' final total to 100 for five off their allotted 16 overs.

Back on their own Blossom Way ground for the first time this season, the Old Boys strongly fancied their chances with a strong batting line-up.

Danny Portus (32) and Steve Irving (20) gave them a fine start but the introduction of star man Griffin, in the 10th over, saw the game take another twist. He took five for 18 in 14 balls, taking out the entire top order – all bowled.

However, Old Boys' experienced Fanthorpe and Pete Nicholson saw them home, despite Griffin's efforts.

Punjab Lions saw off Crystal Millenium by the wide margin of 122 runs to reach the quarter-finals.

The Lions rattled up 146 for six, despite good bowling from Granger (three for 29) and Binns (two for 38).

However when those two opened the batting after the break they both departed for ducks and there was no way back as the Crystal reply was shattered by Pali (four for nine) and Udi Sheikh (two for seven) in an all-out 24.

In a second round tie, Old Medical 1 (from division two) defeated Keelby (division five) by 19 runs.

Rob Baty's undefeated 95 was just the tonic the Medicos wanted in a useful 145 for one.

But Keelby made a spirited reply, Alan Travis scoring 23 not out and Matt Bevis 14 in their 126 for seven, as Andy MacFarlane took two for 10 – the game's best figures.

In a round two tie, played at Augusta Street, James Osmond took four for six and scored an undefeated 60 as Springfield Ibwest won against Hendry Electrical.

Hendry made 85 for nine (Williams 24) in their 20 overs, with Springfield taking less than half that number to knock off the required runs.

John Hampson's six wickets ensured Wilkin Chapman BWT headed into round three in a tightly contested match that went down to the wire.

Starting his spell with a double-wicket maiden, Hampson destroyed the middle and late order, leaving the visitors from the division below all-out on 75.

BWT had Andy Ottley and Andy James to thank for calm heads in tough conditions, both contributing well to get the home side within reach, before a dramatic climax to the game.

James's late, late loss of his wicket and the team's seventh, rocked the boat with scores tied, before Jonathan King was caught and bowled three balls later.

With two balls remaining, and the game theirs if they didn't lose their wickets, Jonathan West was run out as Chris Laister stayed put in the crease following a defensive block, before calmly hitting the final ball for four to quench any ruling debate.

Had he lost his wicket, Humberston Blossom Way would have been declared winners on countback, as they were two runs ahead on scoring rate after 16 overs. A dot ball, and Hampson's heroics would have seen the home side snatch it on wickets taken.

After a break of three weeks due to withdrawals from division one, Holton-le-Clay finally got back to midweek action against division two's Old Clee.

In a game played in a great spirit, HLC, missing three key players – Pete Briggs, Paul Eames and Trevor Holmes – progressed to the next round.

Old Clee lost the toss and HLC opted to bat first, with Scott Indian and Alan Tyler starting swiftly, putting on 54 before Robertson removed Indian.

Change bowler Campbell quickly removed New. But Dale Chambers batted solidly to reach 52 before falling to Hayre, courtesy of a stumping by Bloomer.

Tyler (36) was the other major contributor in a challenging total of 124.

In reply, Old Clee never recovered from a shaky start, losing the pivotal Will Abe – bowled by Whittleton – who removed M Cambpell in the same way to finish with two for 18.

Shaun Campbell (42no) and Bloomer (20no) then saw their side home.

In a long-awaited second round tie, Holton-le-Clay Badgers beat Grainthorpe by seven wickets.

At sun-drenched Holton, acting Grainthorpe captain Pridgeon had no hesitation in electing to bat on a beautiful-looking wicket.

Big South African Koen immediately settled into things, despatching Barker for two fours and two sixes in his first tree overs.

But the young Badger quickie came back well to snaffle Elvridge for four, caught by Barker at short midwicket.

Clarke came to the crease to join Koen and between them they set the foundations for a potentially huge score for the visitors.

With only nine men available, the Badgers were struggling to fill the gaps superbly exploited by the batting pair and 200 was looking a distinct possibility until Olly Howard (5-0-29-1) continued his superb form this season by snaring Clark in the last over of his spell, caught behind by Steve Wright for a well-made 34.

Marsden then closed out his spell by claiming Burrell's wicket for a duck and a shift in momentum was there for the Badgers to grasp.

Change bowlers Barker and Fisher needed to grasp the opportunity and they didn't let there side down. Fisher (5-1-31-2) bowled Bains for a duck and removed the dangerous-looking Pridgeon for 17, Stu Barker taking his third catch of the innings in the process.

Barker (5-1-30-2) bowled Marsh for a duck and then took the big wicket of Koen, caught by Marsden in the deep for an aggressive 72, which included six fours and five sixes.

The timing of the wicket was perfect for the Badgers as it stemmed the flow of runs in the final few overs and it took a swift 11not out by Smith and six not out by Callanan to set the Badgers a target of 162.

Steve Wright and Ross Hewson made a good start to the Badgers reply, hitting 17 off the first two overs, but when Burrell banged in a short one to Hewson (six) off the first ball of his second over, the resulting top-edge to Arundel put the home side well and truly on the back foot.

Stu Barker came to the crease to join Wright and looked impressive in defence. He provided great support to the ever-expansive Wright at the other end and chipped in with a couple of sweetly-timed boundaries of his own before falling to a catch by Pridgeon, giving Burrell (5-0-41-2) his second wicket.

And when new batsman Howard played on to Pridgeon for one, things were looking a bit dicey for the home side. Needing around nine an over, the Badgers needed to give support to Wright, who was really starting to get in the groove.

Grainthorpe bowlers Bains and Callanan both started their spells well but then struggled to contain Wright's dominance at the crease, both going wicket-less for a combined total of 70 runs from their 10 overs.

Jason Fisher was batting with increasing confidence at the other end and began to take some of the bowling from Wright, who was starting to tire in the heat.

Needing around 40 from the final five overs, Wright dug deep to find another gear, moving into the 80s with two fours and into the 90s with a massive six.

The game was back in Badgers' hands and a superb victory was brought up off the first ball of the last over when Wright cover drove to the ropes to bring up his century and a seven-wicket win for the Badgers, who progressed to face One Medicals in round three.

It was a great knock of 22 not out by Fisher but all the plaudits went to Wright whose 101 not out included 15 fours and three sixes and was his third century for the club in just over two seasons.

The final of this year's competition will be on Monday, August 2 at Chichester Road, by kind permission of Cleethorpes CC. Should bad weather come along, the "reserve date" is August 9.

Teams/clubs are reminded to send their results immediately after the game to Nigel Fisher, 10 Springfield Road, Brigg, North Lincs, DN20 8DD. Email scoopfisher@aol.com

Wet weather frustrates Blossom Way Old Boys' Midweek League title hopes

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

BLOSSOM Way OB and Springfield Ibwest's top-of-the-table clash in Division One of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League ended in a disappointing draw thanks to the wet weather.

Week 10 of the league saw monsoon season arrive in North East Lincs with many of the Tuesday and Wednesday night games affected by the stormy weather.

And the biggest disappointment of the week was at Blossom Way, where proceedings were abandoned at the halfway point with no positive outcome.

In a game that will have a huge bearing on the destination of the champions trophy, the point a-piece suits Springfield.

Although they are a point behind leaders BWOB, they have a game in hand and they are now in charge of their own destiny.

Before the abandonment, Springfield had made a below par 66 for seven from 16 overs with Hollamby top scoring with 22 runs and Garry Tillison returning figures of 4-1-9-3, which included a triple wicket maiden.

BWOB were keen to make the most of their strong position but Springfield considered the conditions to have deteriorated too far and the match was abandoned.

Waltham Millers v Holton le Clay Exiles was also a victim of the weather.

In division two, a couple of games survived including the game between big-hitting sides Phoenix and Willy's on the small hospital pitch which always looked likely to provide an avalanche of runs.

So it proved as Willys scored 189 for two from only 16 overs but were unable to defend their huge total.

Wragg, Cowlam and Butterfield all made good contributions for Willy's. Jaffri trumped them all though with 110 not out, including 10 maximums as Phoenix secured a nine-wicket win.

The other winner over the elements was at Healing where Wilkin Chapman BWT entertained One Medical 1.

The visitors chose to bat but were soon in trouble as three wickets fell in the first four overs.

Chris Laister produced a particularly impressive spell of 5-0-14-2 and was well backed up in the field with Dave Laister bagging a couple of catches at short mid on.

Number six M Thompson wrestled the initiative back with 45 before becoming one of Eddie Carlton's three victims, and One Medical closed on 109 for eight.

With both teams anxious for a result, the game continued through persistent rain. Carlton then continued his fabulous form of late. He dominated the bowlers and carried his bat for a match winning 77no.

No other batsman managed (or indeed needed) to reach double figures but the great support provided by Ottley (nine) and James (nine) is not reflected by the numbers in the scorebook.

BWT reached their target with three balls and six wickets in hand.

In division three, Punjab Lions lost their 100 per cent record – but only thanks to the weather. They had reduced Rovers to 50 for five after 13 overs when the rains came and so the points were shared.

The one game that was completed was at Barretts where Bradley OB overcame HLC Badgers. Bradley batted first and set a respectable total of 94 for three from 16 overs.

Howard (two for 13) dismissed both openers but Pearson (49) held the innings together before falling one short of his half century.

Hewson (34) and Clark (18) gave the Badgers a solid start but the introduction of change bowlers Clarke (two for 21) and Donoghue (three for 19) saw wickets start to tumble and the Badgers closed eight runs short on 86 for six.

Westlands' experienced bowling attack showed their prowess to gain a 22-run victory over North Thoresby in division four.

Westlands reached 78 for seven after their 16 overs thanks to the top-three of Powell (23), Ken Meech (13) and M Keal (11). The home side lost their way when Thoresby's change bowlers came on and Chris Padley (4-0-19-3) and Andy Webster (4-0-23-4) began to take wickets at regular intervals.

Mick Osbourne bowled a frugal opening spell of 4-1-6-1, while fellow Westlands opening bowler Powell took two for 23 from four overs. Thoresby lost their top-scorers Shreeve (21) and Bedlow (15) to Meech (4-1-5-3) and Pete Manarin (4-0-21-3) respectively, and were held to 56 for nine after 16 overs.

The Tuesday night game between Tetney and Novartis 1sts was rained off after 13 overs, with Tetney on 92 for two, Dean Jacklin and Ant George unbeaten on 42 and 33 respectively.

Dan Tolson scored his maiden midweek century, becoming the first Clee Vagabond player to achieve the milestone when his side defeated division five rivals Norfolk Line by 87 runs.

Tolson was well supported by Mick Axcell (15) and Paul Coultas (26 not out) as the Vagabonds closed on 154 for one. Tolson reached his ton with his second six and his unbeaten 103 also included 13 fours.

Robert Brice (5-0-27-2) dismissed Norfolk Line's openers Steve Griffiths (15) and N Arundel (14), while Phil Rogers (5-0-12-1) and Simon Taylor (5-1-13-2) enforced the home side's superiority.

Mike Harness (4.2-1-15-3) removed Cranston for 15 as Norfolk Line were limited to 67 for eight.

Post Office Milan 2nds claimed the division six championship when they defeated Crows Nest 2nds by eight wickets.

Good bowling throughout held Crows Nest to 61 for eight off 16 overs. The Posties' new-ball duo of Chris Sylvester (4-0-20-2) and Andy Currie (4-1-10-2) put the pressure on with early wickets.

The only batsman to break free from their stranglehold was Dave Winslow, who made 34 before he was stumped by Wayne Hanson – one of four victims for the keeper – off skipper Ian Bontoft (4-0-18-3).

Glyn Benbow (27) and Nathan Stannard (nine) gave the Posties a solid start before Nev Stone (17 not out) saw his side home in the 13th over.

The two team's battling for the runners-up spot met at the hospital ground where Phoenix 2nds played host to One Medical 2nds.

Tim Tait was again in splendid form, scoring 60 for the home side. Phoenix lost openers Kev Harris (13) and Gareth Cook (12) to King (5-0-24-2), while Tim Gillott added 14 as Phoenix posted a 20-over total of 140 for seven, with Hawkins chipping in with two for 22 off three overs.

After losing three early wickets, to Andy Dulieu (5-0-24-3), One Medical enjoyed a 40-run partnership between Moore (31) and Hawkins (31) before a good catch by David Pears ended it.

Gillott (5-0-2-9-3) dismissed King (13), Offiler (18) and Chris Horsfall (10), and with Craig Dickson (4.2-0-24-2) taking the final wicket with the One Medical score on 115, Phoenix won by 25 runs.

In division seven, Clee Academy defeated leaders 3Q and Whitgift beat Huntsman Hotspurs.

FIRST VICTORY FOR CATHOLIC

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

CATHOLIC Sports finally recorded their first win in the 2010 John Pettit Grimsby & District Midweek Cricket League season.

The division one side enjoyed a convincing nine-wicket success over Holton-le-Clay Exiles in week nine of the competition.

And in doing so Catholic lifted themselves off the foot of the table.

HLC batted first and lost wickets at regular intervals. Only Langford (34) managed to make any impression at all.

He fell to Clifton (four for 12) who also rattled through the middle order and left HLC reeling on 79 all out.

Chasing a small total can sometimes breed complacency and in a team that has failed to win all year, nerves might have been a problem.

But there were no problems. Openers Barlow (27) and Hughes (42no) flew out of the traps.

Their partnership was only broken once the finishing post was in sight.

The winning run came from the last ball of the ninth over.

In the only other top-flight clash, Western Old Boys took on Waltham Millers, who managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Western batted first and after a couple of early losses Kris Richardson (45) and Paul Ridley (56) put on a stand of 83, the team finishing on 133 for five.

The Millers got off to a flyer in reply, with Mick Hanson (26) and Rich Griffin (33) taking the score to 72 for one off ten overs.

The introduction of Mick Barton (four for 26) and Ian Hallam (three for 22) dragged Western back into the game.

As the overs began to run out the wickets tumbled and the scoring rate dropped dramatically.

And the Millers relinquished their strong position and closed 14 runs short.

The race for the division two title is becoming more and more difficult to call with each passing week.

Only three points separate the top five positions.

Emplex managed to beat fellow title challengers Phoenix 1sts at home at Augusta Street.

The home side scored freely with Scott (33) and Cocks (43) putting on 77 for the first wicket, followed by good knocks from Chandrasekera (58), Maddock (27) and M Meadows (32).

This propelled the team to a huge 207 for six from 20 overs.

Phoenix recovered from the loss of an early wicket as Faizal (42) and Jafri (48) put on a useful partnership.

When this pair fell, though, the run rate slowed.

Despite 35 from Sudeka, Emplex ran out comfortable winners by 36 runs.

Grimsby Town Pumas are the new leaders of division two thanks to a 35-run victory over bottom club Old Clee.

Opening bat Chris Waters set the tone with 60 before falling to Andy Hale (two for 17).

Dave Taylor provided vital support with 26 before the Pumas closed on 116 for five from 16 overs.

Now the hard work began for the Pumas as they had to defend this total with only eight men – which makes White's bowling figures of 4-2-6-1 even more remarkable.

Old Clee could only muster 81 for three at stumps with Bloomer (28) and Pexman (39no) the top scorers.

Eddie Carlton continued his recent great form with 75 runs for Wilkin Chapman BWT in their home game vs PO Milan 1 – but it wasn't enough to stop his side slipping to an eight-wicket defeat.

Carlton and Robinson (32) scored the majority of their side's 143 for four.

The run chase was anchored by K Parker whose 43no.

Boryszczuk (28) kept the Posties in the hunt and going into the last two overs they required 24 runs to win.

Impressively, Andy Holmes smashed the runs required and still had three balls to spare as his swashbuckling 48no finally swung the game to the visitors.

The individual bowling performance of the week came in the One Medical 1sts v Willy's Cleethorpes game where Ullah bagged six wickets for the home side as they ran out winners.

He was given a good total to defend by opener Baty, who carried his bat for 73no.

Chandika provided solid support with 32 and even though G Cowlam (two for 22) bowled well, the hosts setting an imposing victory target of 157.

After MacFarlane (two for 28) bagged a couple of key wickets early on, Ullah took over and ensured Willys were always up against it.

Five of his six dismissals were bowled; he only conceded 23 runs and Willys were all out for 124 in the 17th over.

The two favourites for promotion clashed in division three as Harvest Moon entertained the unbeaten Punjab Lions.

The Lions elected to bat and as is now almost customary, Indi Hayre (77no, with seven fours and 4four sixes) and Indi Sandhu (72, with ten fours) dominated the innings.

They put on 166 for the first wicket and were only separated by a late run out.

Hayre now has an average of 199 in midweek cricket this season.

The Moon made a decent attempt at chasing this daunting total, with Gav Turner (22) and Roger Bentley (31) top-scoring.

But there was never a realistic chance of the Moon winning once they departed.

And late wickets for Udi Sheikh (two for 19) and Vishnu (two for two) kept the final total down to 94 for seven.

Humberston Blossom Way ran out winners against Bradley Old Boys in their game at Immingham.

Wild (50) and Skipworth (33) led HBW's 107 for six from 20 overs. They both fell to Clarke (two for 22).

The Bradley run chase looked to be on target when Childs (32) and Donaghue (26) were at the crease, but their dismissals led to a huge collapse featuring three run outs.

Two wickets apiece for A Bagnall and Wild added to the misery for the Old Boys and they were all out off the last ball of the innings for 101.

HENDRY Electrical remain second in Division Four after overcoming Westlands by seven wickets.

Andy Todd dismantled the Westland's top-order with a spell of 5-1-13-3 which included the wicket of Powell (17).

Tommy Watson held the hosts' innings together with 36no, but stalwart Andy Pearson (5-0-17-2) held Westlands to 98 for seven.

In reply, Hendry lost their third wicket when Mick Osborne (5-1-15-2) bowled Williams for 11.

Opener Darren Gamwell (46no) and Lynch (26no) secured victory with an over to spare.

Tetney's opening bowlers John Zielinski (2-0-6-1) and D Khan (4-1-11-1) put their side on top with early wickets against Grainthorpe.

C Elvidge made 11 before falling to Brad Pedersen (5-0-17-2), while a stand between P Chapman (20) and N Pridgeon (22), who was dismissed by A Fisher (2-0-17-2), gave the innings some momentum.

M Stapleton added 11 before be was caught and bowled by Paul Shawcross (3-0-15-2), as Grainthorpe closed on 107 for nine, with D Callanan unbeaten on 13.

Tetney opened their reply with J McGregor, who made ten and the in-form Jack Harrison, pictured, who hit a peerless 64 before he was dismissed.

Dean Jackin (15no) guided the leaders home to an eight-wicket win in the 12th over.

A SUPERB unbeaten century set up Keelby's 101-run victory over division five rivals Norfolk Line.

Matthew Bevis, the in-form man with the bat, lost his fellow opener S Robson when he was caught off S Arundel (5-0-30-2) for 35.

Keelby lost their third wicket when Danny Bevis also went for 35, but M Bevis, pictured, remained unbeaten on 100 as Keelby closed on 191 for four.

Norfolk Line were never really in the hunt as they lost early wickets to J Smith (5-0-19-1), P Fytche (4-1-15-2) and P Briggs (3-1-18-2).

The only batsmen to reach double figures were Moran (12) and N Arundel (19), while M Phillips (4-1-12-4) destroyed the lower middle-order.

John Indian (1.5-0-5-1) took the final Norfolk Line wicket in the 18th over, with their score on 90. Keeper D Bevis completed a fine game with two stumpings and a catch.

Clee United Old Boys made it five consecutive wins with a seven-wicket triumph over Stallingborough.

Stallingborough's top-scorer was Bruce Roberts, who was bowled for 32 by Graham Hackney, who also accounted for Andy Howard (14).

Trevor Crofts chipped in with 18 and Neville Crofts made 12no, while Trevor Church playing in his 330th midweek game took three for 31 from five overs, as Stallingborough made 99 for eight.

Clee opener Phil Merrisou scored 48, before Hackney (19no) and Richard Hull (8no) completed the victory in the 18th over.

Post Office Milan 2nds took a step closer to winning the division six title after an imperious innings from Glyn Benbow gave them a six-wicket win over Phoenix 2nds.

Phoenix lost their first wicket with 20 on the board when Gareth Cook was dismissed for 14 in the fourth over.

Jason Stead and Derek Ward added 16 and ten respectively.

Tim Tait struck a fine 43 before falling to Paul Cape-Melboume (5-0-39-3).

Three well-judged catches by Martin Burke saw the visitors lose their way but an unbeaten ninth-wicket stand of 22 by Craig Dickson (27no) and Andy Dulieu (8no) gave Phoenix a total of 133 for eight.

The Posties began their reply with a 65-run opening stand between Benbow and Nathan Stannard (17), who fell in the 10th over.

Six overs later, Tim Gillott (4-0-18-1) bowled Benbow for a match-winning 86, that included three sixes a 3d 12 fours, with the score on 122.

Soon after, Nev Stone was run out for 11, but with scores of four not out Andy Currie and Wayne Hanson saw the Posties home with nine balls to spare.

CSSC Emplex batted first in their game with One Medical 2nds and made a strong start, losing their first wicket when Karl Sykes (26) was bowled by Chris Horsfall (5-0-36-2).

Fellow opener Jeff Hutchinson continued to dispatch the bowlers to all parts of the ground while Adam King destroyed the middle-order with a five-wicket burst.

Amongst King's (5-1-28-5) victims were Kyle Sykes (20) and eventually Hutchinson for an excellent 80 as CSSC Emplex closed on 161 for eight.

One Medical lost their openers, Hawkins (15) and Scales (nine), relatively cheaply. Moore (45 not out) and Thompson (67) staged a recovery and their stand gave One Medical a six-wicket win with a ball to spare.

Healing RBL remain ensconced in second place in division seven after defeating Oasis Academy by two wickets.

Darren Burchall (55) and Steve Owen (27) dominated the Oasis scoring with a good second-wicket partnership that came to an end when Winship dismissed both batsmen in a fine spell of 5-1-10 3.

Ballard then chipped in with three for five from two overs to leave Oasis Academy's final total on 99 for eight.

Healing lost early wickets to the new-ball paining of Cox (5-1-19-3) and Scott (5-0-42-2), who removed opener Winship for 13.

A mid-order recovery then occurred for the home side with Parker making 19 before falling to Owen (4-0-15-1), while Irvine and Cheeseman scored 28 and 11 respectively before Burchall (4-1-17-2) dismissed both men.

Ballard (nine not out) then guided Healing home with two overs in hand.

Whitgift made a good start in their game with Huntsman Hotspurs, who eventually claimed their first wicket when Lee Melin (4-0-11.1) bowled Richard Baithwaite for 36.

That proved to be the hosts only loss as Grest (56 not out) and Offler (12 not out) gave Whitgift a total of 116 for one off 20 overs.

A second-wicket stand between Dave Chesman (29) and Smith (29) put the Hotspurs on the road to recovery, while Melin (24) continued the journey until he was dismissed in an unusual manner – hit wicket against Chris Nichols (1-0-8-2).

After 16 overs, Matt Cooley (13 not out) secured Huntsman Hotspurs five-wicket win.

In a 16-over game, Corinthian Jedis were held to 71 for seven by leaders 3Q at Butt Lane.

3Q's opening bowlers Howard (4-1-6-1) and Allau (4-1-15-2) again returned frugal figures for the home side.

The only Jedis to make a significant contribution were Kelly Drewery (21) and M Firth (15), who was dismissed by Pete Rose (4-0-20-2).

The table-toppers were in dire straits at the start of their innings with Holliday (4-0-17-3) and Drewery (4-0-16-2) putting the Jedis on top, of the top six only Kev Cook (ten) reached double figures.

Bowlers Allan (25 not out) and Howard (21 not out) came to the rescue, however, to clinch a four-wicket victory for 3Q in the 13th over.

Honours List Week Nine

BATTING: M Bevis, Keelby, 100no; G Benbow, Post Office Milan 2, 86; J Hutchinson, CSSC Emplex, 80; Indi Hayre, Punjab Lions, 77no; E Carlton, BWT, 75; Baty, One Medical 1, 73no; Indi Sandhu, Punjab Lions, 72; Thompson, One Medical 2, 67; J Harrison, Tetney, 64; Waters, Grimsby Town Pumas, 60; Chandrasekera, Emplex, 58; D Grest , Whitgift, 56no; P Ridley, Western OB, 56; D Burchall, Oasis Academy, 55; Wild, Humberston BW, 50; P Merrison, Clee United OB, 48; D Gamwell, Hendry Electrical, 46 not out ; Moore, One Medical 2, 45; T Tait, Phoenix 2, 43.

BOWLING: Ullah, One Medical 1, 5-0-23-6; A King, One Medical 2, 5-1-28-5; M Phillips, Keelby, 4-1-12-4; Clifton, Catholic Sports, 3.1-0-12-4; Barton, Western OB, 5-0-26-4.

Eddie Carlton excels in Wilkin Chapman BWT's win over Grimsby Town Pumas

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:00:00 GMT

WEEK eight of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League was packed to the rafters with epic performances – not least Wilkin Chapman BWT's shock win over Grimsby Town Pumas in division two.

Eddie Carlton was the star of show at Augusta Street, dominating from ball one, and was undefeated after 20 overs, having scored 111 of his team's 150 runs.

Only P. Taylor produced an economical spell of bowling with one for 15 from five overs as all the other bowlers took some punishment and conceded around nine per over.

The Pumas' run chase was characterised by a procession of batsmen getting in but not able to go on and make the big score required.

S. Crossley top scored with 35 before becoming C. Robinson's only victim in an excellent and economical spell of five overs that yielded only 15 runs. Carlton then chipped in with the ball, claiming three for 34 and helping to secure his side's 18-run victory.

Every captain knows how tough it is to win a game when you are short of a player and can only raise 10 for the match.

Well Willy's were in the unenviable position of only being able to muster eight men for their tough looking clash with Emplex.

Rather than forfeiting the game, Willy's redoubled their efforts and in what must be the performance of the season recorded a victory in nail-biting fashion.

Emplex decided to bat first in this 16 over a side match but lost two early wickets to G Cowlam (4-0-38-2). Coy (72) with Wood (18) and Searle (7) then built partnerships of 33 and 27 respectively before the mainstay was joined by Maddock (20no) in a stand of 78. This saw Emplex to a final total of 148 for five.

All Willy's bowlers had some success and were well backed up in the field despite their reduced numbers.

Willy's needed a good start to their innings and got just that when openers G Cowlam (67) and C Wragg (26) put on an stand of 83 in just eight overs.

Chandrasekera (4-0-21-2) was brought into the attack and was the most economical of the bowlers but runs continued to flow from the other end.

A Pearson (22no) and R Woodward (15no) came together with 38 needed off four overs and between them they managed to keep up with the rate.

In a gripping finish, Willy's needed one run to win off the last ball and Pearson coolly knocked the ball out on the offside for a quick single to give Willy's the win.

The noteworthy individual performances in the division continued with C. Imran of Phoenix 1sts who smashed 86 in a successful run chase against Old Clee.

For the second week running Old Clee opener Abe (60) carded a half century as he lead from the front. Supported by Campbell (35), their innings closed on 133 for two.

This proved simply to be not enough as solid support for Imran from Faizal (17) and Collett (22), the Doctors reached their target in the 14th over.

The final game in division two saw One Medical 1st overcome PO Milan 1st in a high scoring encounter at Barretts.

The Posties set 157 for seven with Holmes (27) and Inch (42) building the platform for some late fireworks from Blockley (27no) and Benbow (28no). M. Thompson with two for 21 was the bowling pick.

The reply started strongly with Chandika (55) and Stockdale (31) scoring well until they became two of Blockley's three victims. Further steady scoring right down the order ensured that One Medical passed the Posties with seven balls to spare.

As Catholic Sports were unable to raise a team to play Blossom Way OB, the only fixture to be played in division one this week was a comprehensive victory for Holton-le-Clay Exiles against an under-strength Western OB side.

P. Briggs (71no) and A. Tyler (45) put HLC in a commanding position with only recent signing Denis Parker (two for 19) producing bowling figures that you would write home about.

Andy Langford (two for 11) quickly had the WOB reply reeling while the rest of the attack kept things tight and restricted Western to a modest 78/6, some 63 runs short of the target.

In division three, an epic game took place at Holton-le-Clay CC between Rovers and Cuxwold.

Batting first on a quick and bouncy track, Rovers struggled to hit boundaries and lost wickets regularly with Skudder (three for 19) causing problems.

Josh Plaskit hit a valuable 17 and a fine late partnership between Jamie Thompson and Taff saw Rovers over the 100 mark and onto 104/8 from 20 overs.

Simon Jones (one for 17) and Mark Lofthouse (three for 16) made vital early inroads but the arrival of Ratchford upped the pace as he set about the Rovers attack with brute force, punishing anything loose.

With support from Gibbons (28) he hit six fours and one maximum in a superb 42, which when he was dismissed had moved his team to within eight runs of victory with four overs remaining. This brought on a nervous collapse from Cuxwold as Lofthouse and Vivins bowled excellently.

Needing two runs from the ball to tie, Bould was run out by some sharp fielding as he attempted to come back for the second and Rovers could celebrate snatching the win against all the odds.

Bradley OB produced an upset when they beat Harvest Moon by three runs. Bradley set 85 from 20 overs and defended this low total thanks largely to Ballard who ended the game with five wickets.

A brilliant century from Jack Harrison set division four leaders Tetney on the road to a 104-run victory over Crystal Millennium.

After losing an early partner, opener Harrison dominated the innings finishing unbeaten on 115. He received good support from Jamie Fountain (37), who was bowled by Andy Grainger (4-0-32-2), and Dean Jacklin (38 not out) as Tetney closed on 196 for three.

Tetney's new-ball attack of D Khan (3-0-12-2) and James McGregor (5-1-6-1) returned miserly figures which gave the home side no chance of victory. Crystal Millennium finished their 20 overs on 92 for five, with opener Grainger making 56 not out.

Andy Todd (5-0-22-2) claimed two early wickets for Hendry Electrical when they played host to North Thoresby.

Alex Shreeve got the board moving with 24 before he was bowled by Farmery (5-1-19-2), who also accounted for Paul Hooper (12). Andy Richardson hit 22, and with 10 not out from Padley, North Thoresby closed on 93 for six.

Hendry's opener Jon Battersby set off at a good tempo and was undefeated on 48, as he and Williams (11 not out) guided Hendry Electrical to an eight-wicket victory in the 14th over.

Westlands paid a visit to Blossom Way for their game with Woodlands and batted first, making a good start through openers R Bell (49) and Tommy Watson (23).

The latter fell to Johnny Leach (5-0-43-4), who also picked up the wickets of Kiely (13) and Patterson (16) as Westlands closed on 130 for six.

In reply, Woodlands lost early wickets to Pete Manarin (5-0-20-3) and Kiely (2-0-11-2), who included Stuart Mulligan (18) among his dismissals.

The home side recovered and had a chance until they lost Kev Taylor (25) and Nigel Walker (19) to P Chesman (5-0-19-2) and Pickering (5-0-29-2) respectively.

Thereafter the Woodlands innings petered out 99 for nine, to give Westlands a win by 31 runs.

Elsewhere, Clee United Old Boys maintained their promotion push from division five with a nine-wicket victory over Keelby.

Keelby were given a good start by their openers A Briggs (27) and D Bevis (33), who eventually fell to change bowlers Trevor Church and Graham Hackney (5-0-18-2) respectively.

Church (5-0-28-4) then had Richard Papps stumped for 17 as the rest of the Keelby batsmen limped their way to a total of 102 for seven.

Despite losing only one wicket, that of Phil Merrison (27), Clee United had to dig deep to gain their victory. A superb spell from J Smith (4-2-6-0) held the Old Boys up for a while before Mike Hart (37 not out) and Richard Hull (16 not out) saw them home after 19 overs.

Stallingborough lost an early wicket in their game with Crows Nest 1sts before Dave Wesley and Bruce Roberts pushed the score up to 60 when Wesley was dismissed for 26.

Roberts went soon after for 28 when he was bowled by T Holmes (5-0-32-4), and with Trevor Crofts adding 21, Stallingborough closed on 109 for nine.

Crofts then ripped apart the Crows' top-order to leave them reeling on 31 for six. He finished with excellent figures of 5-1-12-5 and included the dismissal of Tony Marfleet (18) amongst his victims thanks to a catch by Luke Roberts. D Dodds hit a late 29 before he was bowled by Andy Howard (3-0-10-2), while a 10th-wicket stand between D Mickleborough (14 not out) and Pete Briggs (10 not out) gave Crows Nest a total of 98 for nine, just 11 behind Stallingborough.

One Medical 2nds gained a second successive win to keep their promotion hopes from division six alive when they defeated Crows Nest 2nds by eight wickets.

Hawkins (32 not out) and Southern (32) saw One Medical home in the 16th over after holding the Crows' to 89 for nine from 20 overs.

N Gray was the Crows' leading scorer with 39 before he was run out, while One Medical's experienced duo of Chris Horsefall (5-0-17-3) and Ian Dye (5-0-18-4) caused most of the damage, Horsefall's three-wicket spell included the wicket of Dave McMullan (10).

An unbeaten 56 from Glyn Benbow ensured another two points for Post Office Milan 2nds over Novartis 2nds. No other details to band.

Corinthian Jedis completed the double over division seven rivals Whitgift thanks to an unbeaten half-century from S Brinson.

Earlier, Whitgift made a good start through their openers Metheringham (26) and Grest (31), who were dismissed by Firth (4-0-25-3) and Kelly Drewery (5-1-17-2) respectively. Handy knocks from Thomas (16) and Richard Coles (14) boosted the Whitgift total up to 113 for seven.

Opener Brinson lost his second team-mate when S Holliday fell on 10. Two wickets then fell to Grest (4-0-19-2), before Brinson (64 not out) and N Collins (12 not out) secured the five-wicket win for the Jedis in the 14th over.

3Q's second-wicket pairing of Kevin Cook (36) and Gavin Munson (59) plundered the Huntsman Hotspurs bowlers until they were both dismissed by Smith (4-0-32-2).

Jason Moore (17 not out) and James Hyams (24) picked up the baton as 3Q closed on 142 for four.

3Q's opening bowler Allan (5-0-31-2) picked up his second wicket when he bowled Matt Cooley (13), while his new-ball partner Pete Rose (5-0-26-2) also bagged a double when he dismissed Sweeting (14). Change bowler Matthews (5-1-25-2) collected the wickets of Smith (23) and Cox (13), while Carr (5-0-28-2) maintained the symmetry when be claimed his second wicket with the dismissal of White (20) as Huntsman were held to 114 for eight, to give 3Q a 28-ran victory.

Chris Wragg's unbeaten 91 helps Willy's to victory over Old Clee

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

WILLY'S chalked up a first victory of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League when a big score from Chris Wragg helped win the division two basement battle with Old Clee.

Wragg hit an unbeaten 91 to see his side home to victory.

Something had to give at the Stamford Club, where two winless teams met at the midway point of the league season.

Both sides were desperate to get their campaigns under way and Old Clee started the stronger.

Both openers made half centuries as Abe (57) and Campbell (51) pushed their team on to 146 for two from 20 overs.

Wragg and Paul Sunley opened up the batting for Willy's in response and were in explosive mood.

Losing Sunley for 22 didn't hamper the chase as G Cowlan (23no) joined Wragg (91no) to bring up a nine- wicket win with 15 balls to spare.

Elsewhere in division two, the last remaining unbeaten record fell when PO Milan 1 lost their game at Emplex.

A knock of 51 from opener Jim Parker and a late 15no from D Cullen allowed the visitors to post 128 for seven from 20 overs.

R Smith (two for23) was the bowling pick while Dan Cliffe took three excellent catches.

The Emplex reply was soon on the ropes as Paul Hostad (two for 19) and A Sampson (three for 36) made hay while the sun shone and reduced their hosts to 20 for four.

However, a spirited fightback from firstly Chandrasekara (59), followed by Cliffe (23) and Waghorn (20no) eased Emplex to victory with 11 runs to spare.

Phoenix 1 joined PO Milan at the top of the tree with a good victory over Wilkin Chapman BWT.

As is now traditional, Phoenix batted strongly and were helped by contributions all down the order.

Naeem top-scored with 38 as his side closed on 155 for seven.

There were a few flutters from Phoenix on the chase, but only Callum Robinson, who got a well-deserved first 50 for the club, managed to put big runs on the board.

He was eventually run out for 62 and his team made 132 for seven.

In division one, Springfield Ibwest continued their unbeaten start with a 58-run victory over rock-bottom Catholic Sports.

The Springfield innings was dominated by James Osmond who smashed his way to 88 before becoming the only wicket to fall.

With support from Alex Hollamby (33no) and a late 11no from Dan Phillips, the total reached 140 for one from 16 overs.

The Catholic's reply saw opener Barlow amass 39, but nobody was able to score at a rate to realistically keep the target in sight.

Tight two-over spells from Davies and Lonsdale restricted the run chasers to only 82 for four.

Blossom Way, Immingham hosted a very entertaining league game between the Old Boys of Blossom Way and Western.

BWOB batted first and, after a solid start, soon began to step up the run rate.

Led by Steve Irvine (77no), who was ably supported by the rest of the top order, they managed to reach 172 for four including a crucial 18 off the last over.

In reply, Western Old Boys made steady progress but struggled against the bowling of Gary Tillison (5-0-15-2). Having reached 50 for three at the halfway point, Elliot Drinkall started to take the attack to Blossom Way smashing a rapid 34 before being caught superbly on the boundary by Irvine.

With four overs remaining, Western still required 70 and the game looked way out of their reach.

This did not deter Ian Hallam (45no) and Mick Barton (28no), though, and with just one over to go Western were right back in it, requiring 17 runs for victory.

Danny Portus stepped up to the mark and despite the batsmen's best efforts he only conceded a further seven runs which left Western a paltry 10 runs short.

The two sides will meet again in the cup quarter finals when another close battle is expected.

Clee United Old Boys inflicted division five leaders Clee Vagabonds with their first defeat of the season.

The Old Boys innings was dominated by a superb 87 from Rob Kurz, who lost three colleagues early on to Simon Taylor (5-0-36-3).

Graham Hackney provided good support with 40 while Richard Hull added 13 before falling to Sam Would (5-0-40-2) as Clee United closed on an excellent 168 for seven.

Mike Hart (5-0-29-2) took the first Vagabond wicket but Dan Tolson (35) and Fred Lumby (12) gave the visitors hope.

Wickets began to fall at regular intervals and despite a good 54 from Robert Brice and a late 20not by Paul Hewstone the Vagabonds fell short by 27 on 141 for six.

After losing an early wicket, Keelby's Richard Papps came in at number three against Stallingborough and dominated the scoring.

Papps finished unbeaten on 60 and, with able support from D Bevis (31) and A Briggs (29no), Keelby closed on 132 for two after 20 overs.

M Phillips took quick wickets for Keelby in an opening spell of 5-0-21-3 before J Smith decimated Stallingborough's middle order.

Smith's spell of 4.1-0-14-4 included the dismissals of Nev Crofts (16) and Richard Bacon (11) and, with P Briggs taking two for 15 from three overs, Stallingborough were bowled out for 72 at the start of the 19th over, giving Keelby a 60-run win.

Division four leaders Tetney crushed promotion rivals Hendry Electricals by 65 runs.

After losing John Zielinski for 25, Jack Harrison (80) and Dean Jacklin (74no) increased the tempo for Tetney in an exhilarating second-wicket stand.

Paul Shawcross added nine not out, while Summer took two for 56 as Tetney closed on a massive 201 for three.

Hendry's second-wicket pairing of Jon Battersby (35) and C Williams (33) offered their side the most hope but after their exits, knocks from Phil Parsons (24), P Lynch (11) and P Farmery (15no) proved to be in vain as Hendry were held to 136 for five.

The Cuxwold versus Punjab Lions fixture in division three was forfeited by the home side as they couldn't raise a team.

That meant the only fixture to go ahead in that division took place at Blossom Way between Humberston BW and Rovers.

The visitors batted first and posted 105 for four from 20 overs with openers Gash (40) and J Barker (26) making significant contributions and A Bagnall claiming two for 28.

Even though it was only a modest total, Humberston struggled to keep up with the rate and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Jones and Thompson both finished with identical figures of three for 15 from five overs.

And with only Skipworth (16) making double figures, HBW closed 23 runs short on 78 for eight.

Division six leaders Post Office Milan 2nds remain unbeaten after defeating CSSC Emplex by five wickets.

The Posties' new-ball attack of Chris Sylvester and Andy Currie both took two for 12 from their five overs, the latter accounting for C Mitchell (10).

A seventh-wicket stand got the CSSC innings moving until Nick Gregory was run out for 12, followed by R Cook (30) being bowled by Daniel Stephenson (5-0-28-2).

CSSC Emplex were bowled out for 88 in the final over with lan Bontoft (4.1-0-28 2) taking the last wicket.

A fine opening spell from Karl Sykes (5-0-10-3) reduced PO Milan's reply to 28 for four.

Opener Glyn Benbow, however, hit a tenacious 42 that included seven fours to put the home side in command, leaving Bontoft (eight not out) and Nathan Stannard (10no) to complete the win with three overs to spare.

A formidable total of 164 for five for Phoenix 2nds proved too much for plucky Crows Nest 2nds.

Crows' most economical bowler was Tom Brierley (5-0-28-1) who also took a good catch to dismiss Zubair (33).

Tim Tait struck an imperious 59 before he fell to S Brierley (5-0-36-2) and he also dismissed Derek Ward (13).

Gareth Cook contributed 10, while unbeaten knocks of 13 and 10 from Bob Free and Henry Gillott brought the Phoenix innings to its close.

The home side's opening bowler Craig Dickson (5-0-31-4) was eclipsed by his new-ball partner young Henry Gillott (5-0-18-4), who included Wright (11) amongst his victims as the Crows were left reeling at 34 for eight in eight overs.

Brierley hit a fluent 18 and with sparkling contributions from Ian Porter (16no) and Shaun McMullan (10), who was bowled by Tim Gillott (3.3-0-13-2), Crows Nest were bowled out for 81 to give Phoenix a 33-run victory.

Novartis 2nds were reduced to 24 for five, Robinson scoring 10, with One Medical 2nds' Tye taking two for 14 from three overs.

A sixth-wicket partnership between the big-hitting Mills (43) and Kev Short (27), along with some good running between the wickets, saw Novartis reach 98 for seven from 20 overs.

Rick McLellan produced another economical spell of 5-2-8-0 for the home side, but then One Medical batsman Hawkins (72no), supported by Dan Stevens (19), let fly to clinch a six-wicket win.

The top two in division seven clashed at Healing Royal British Legion, where 3Q ran out comfortable winners by 34 runs.

After Jennings (5-1-11-1) made an early breakthrough, the 3Q innings was dominated by a second-wicket partnership between Andy Jameson (34) and Gavin Munson (48).

Both were dismissed by Parker (5-0-24-4) but with Dev adding 14 not out, 3Q closed on 119 for six.

In Healing's reply, Howard (5-0-22-2) collected his second wicket when he had Parker caught for 26.

Excellent spells from change bowlers Pete Rose (5-1-15-3) and Allan (4-0-17-3), who dismissed Bray (32), won the game for 3Q as Healing RBL were held to 85 for nine.

Whitgift's opening batsman Metheringham must have been disappointed when he got hack to the pavilion to discover that he was unbeaten on 99.

His fellow-opener Grest made 75 as Whitgift closed on 190 for one against Grimsby Institute.

The Institute were given a decent start by their openers Michael (17) and Ian Barnsley (24).

Periaswamy (14) and Ellis (20), who was bowled by Offiler (5-0-45-2), gave good support to Nagaraja (57no) as the Institute closed on 152 for five to give Whitgift a 38-run win.

Springfield move top of the table as they see off Old Boys with 37-run victory

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

SPRINGFIELD Ibwest head the top flight of the John Pettit Grimsby & District Cricket League after a 37-run victory over Western Old Boys at the Stamford Homes Ground.

Springfield, first to use the wicket, were quickly one down when their talismanic opener James Osmond fell cheaply.

Hollamby (32) and Haith (39no) then steadied the ship, with the latter navigating his team to 98 for five from 20 overs.

Ian Hallam and Mick Barton both chipped in with a couple of wickets for the Old boys.

The Western reply was torn apart by opening bowlers G Bland (three for 22) and James Osmond (5-1-18-4).

Jamie Richardson (33) offered some resistance but could only watch as batsmen came and went in rapid succession before he fell to Alex Osmond (one for 12).

Western were eventually all out for 61 in the 15th over.

Waltham Millers hauled themselves off the bottom of the table and condemned Catholic Sports to the wooden spoon position with a three-wicket victory at Barratts.

Opener Barlow dominated with the bat for the Catholics as he scored 51 in a low total of 83 runs.

Judah (two for ten), Harvey (four for 19) and Purdue (17) were the men who did the damage.

Miller's Hanson (17) and Judah (25) gave their team a platform despite the best efforts of Henry (two for 19) and Clifton (4-0-7-1).

Clarke also managed to pick up three wickets but a late flurry of runs in between times resulted in Millers securing their first win of the season with 14 balls and three wickets in hand.

In division two, Eddie Carlton's return after picking up an early season injury lifted Wilkin Chapman BWT to their first league win of the season.

His swashbuckling 94 was instrumental in a victory over fellow strugglers Willy's.

Opening with Andy Ottley (35no), Chapman guided the pair to a 146-run stand before Carlton was caught just feet from the boundary as he went for his third maximum that would have brought up his fourth century for the side.

Callum Robinson kept up the tempo and struck 14 from the last seven balls and BWT closed on a healthy 164 for one.

Containment was the order of the day with the ball and Chris Laister and Callum Robinson bowled maturely, with Laister returning tidy figures of 5-0-19-0.

Cowlam (23) and Butterfield (27) looked steady but a marvellous one-handed catch over the shoulder from Ottley off Robinson dismissed Cowlam to break the partnership.

John Hampson capitalised on the need for acceleration and big -hitting from the batsmen and recorded figures of four for 31.

Wragg's 42no was a valiant effort, but the visitors closed 45 runs short, on 119 for six.

At the other end of the table, PO Milan 1sts remained unbeaten and ensured Old Clee's winless run continued with a five-wicket win that went to the last over of the game.

Will Abe opened for Old Clee and totally dominated the scoring.

He was eventually dismissed by Jon Blockley (three for 20) having amassed 67 of his sides final total of 90 for five.

A close finish looked on the cards as the regular wickets fell in the Post Office reply, with Pexman (two for 13) dismissing both openers.

Holmes dug in and fought back with a vital 32no to guide his team home.

Another team showing their promotion credentials are Grimsby Town Pumas who overcame a strong Emplex side by six wickets at Augusta Street.

Consistent batting down the order allowed Emplex to post 146 for seven from their 20 overs, with openers Coy (23) and Blackburn (32) building the platform for J Maddocks (25no) to score some late runs.

Dave White was the leading wicket taker with three for 34.

The Pumas judged their run chase to perfection, with Harry Warwick (46) giving them a great start before becoming one of Cocks' two wickets for 27 runs.

Perera (26) was his other victim but Waters with 34no sealed the win and kept the Pumas on course to bounce straight back into division one.

Another dominant display by the Punjab Lions saw them continue their winning run in division three.

Humberston BW were this week's unfortunate victims, although they managed a much stronger display than most of the teams that have challenged the Lions this year.

As ever, on winning the toss the Lions chose to bat.

Openers Indi Sandhu and Indi Hayre recorded another 100+ opening partnership, taking only ten overs to reach three figures.

Their stand was only broken when Sandhu was run out three short of his 50.

Assisted by Vishnu (21no), Hayre went on to reach his century before running out of overs on 107no, having crashed nine boundaries and four maximums as the Lions closed on 182 for two.

Humberston started the run chase strongly but soon the wickets started to fall.

Wild top-scored with 17 as several batters got themselves in but couldn't make the big score required to challenge their imposing target.

Both Girish (two for 24) and Udi Sheikh (two for 15) bagged a brace of wickets but late runs from Brian Bagnall (15) and Hayley Butts (13no) ensured that Humberston reached three figures and closed on 101 for eight – a feat few teams have managed against the Lions.

Hot on the heals of the league leaders are Harvest Moon, who made it three wins on the trot against Rovers at both team's shared home at HLC.

Rovers posted 111 for four from their 20 overs after contributions from Gash (29), Vivins (23) and Lawler (28). Phil Hutchinson was leading wicket taker, with two for 29.

The Rovers' bowling attack made early inroads into the Moon's top order, with Kershaw (one for 28) and Jones (two for 28) dismissing the top three batsmen cheaply.

Gav Warnock (37) and Turner (33) swung the game back towards the Moon before a 21no from Baker clinched the victory with two overs to spare.

The top-of-the-table clash in division four saw Tetney beat Woodlands in a lop-sided game by 94 runs.

Dean Jacklin (32) and Paul Shawcross (31) shared an impressive opening stand for Tetney.

Ant George (58) and Jack Harrison (31) increased the tempo before they were both dismissed by Martin Robinson (1-0-13-2) as the visitors closed on 182 for four.

Tony Potter top-scored for Woodlands with 21, while fellow opener Johnny Leach (19) was one of Khan's (5-1-15-3) three victims.

Stuart Mulligan added 15 not out as Woodlands were held to 88 for six.

Joint-leaders, Hendry Electrical put struggling Novartis 1sts to the sword with a nine-wicket win.

Novartis lost early wickets to Lehman (5-1-26-3) and Garnwell (4-0-19-3) as only John Mawer (13) from the top order reached double figures.

Okopskyj hit a battling 25no, but a four-wicket haul from Lenny Rodgers (4.3-0-20-4) saw Novartis bowled out for 92 in the 18th over.

Hendry's opener Jon Battersby came out in attacking fashion and scored 52 before departing.

Gamwell (21no) and Williams (17no) eased the hosts home after 14 overs.

In their game with Cystal Millennium, three Westlands batsmen – Keal (23), Powell (16) and Patterson (12) – made starts before they were sent packing by Charles (5-0-34-3).

Tommy Watson went on to make 13no as Westlands closed on 92 for six.

Ken Meech bowled a parsimonious spell of 5-4-3-1 at the start of Millennium's reply.

Unfortunately for the home side, none of the other bowlers were able to back him up as Neil Burniston made 30, and Welsh (35 not out) and Charles (19 not out) guided Millennium home to a seven-wicket win in the 19th over.

A fine opening stand set division five leaders Clee Vagabonds on course for a 54-run victory over Stallingborough.

Dan Tolson was the first Vagabond to fall having made 52, while Robert Brice went on to score 94 before he was bowled by Trevor Crofts (5-0-27-1).

Matt Shelton's eight not out saw the Vagabonds through to a total of 171 for two.

Mike Harness (5-0-27-2) picked up his second Stallingborongh wicket when he had Dave Wesley (33) stumped.

Knocks from Crofts (29) and Bruce Roberts (37 not out) proved to be ineffectual as they were held to 117 for four.

In glorious sunshine Clee United Old Boys elected to bat first against Norfolk line, but after three overs were two for two.

But a third-wicket partnership of 104 between Phil Merrison (69) and Mike Hart (28) turned the game around in favour of the hosts.

Graham Hackney added 10 before a 19no knock from Chris Toohill, and Richard Hull's 13no, gave Clee United a total of 153 for five.

For the visitors, the bowling picks were Neil Arundel (5-2 19-2) and Hildreth (5-0-30-2).

Norfolk Line made a good start through their openers Moran (12) and Towse, who hit a quick-fire 21.

Hildreth made 24 in support of Arundel, who scored an excellent 66 to keep their side in the hunt.

Wickets, however, at crucial times for spinner Trevor Church (5-0-40-3) and Hackney (5-0-30-2), limited Norfolk line to 140 for eight, 13 behind Clee United.

Crows Nest 1sts gained a convincing 64-run victory over Keelby after scoring 137 for four at King George.

Paul Holmes dominated the scoring with an unbeaten 57 after losing fellow opener Lewis MacDonald (22) to P Briggs (5-0-30-2), who also picked up the wicket of Gray (12).

Also bagging a brace for Keelby was Rennie (3-0-24-2).

Jimmy Rock grabbed two quick wickets to put Keelby in trouble before coming back later to finish with four for 24 from five overs.

MacDonald took two for 15 from his five as unbeaten knocks of 37 and 11 from Briggs and Bates respectively gave Keelby a total of 73 for seven.

The top two in division six met at Barretts, with Post Office Milan 2nds cruising to an eight-wicket win over One Medical 2nds.

Andy Currie (5-0-28-4) took the first of his four wickets when he dismissed Hawkins (11).

Dan Stephen top-scored for One Medical with 15, while Shay Offiler added ten before he was bowled by Chris Bostoft (4.3-0-15-3).

lan Bontoft (4-1-12-2) chipped in with two wickets as One Medical were bowled out for 78 in the 19th over.

Glyn Benbow struck a dashing 38 to set the Posties on their way before he was caught off Chris Horsfall (2-0-11-2), who then dismissed Nev Stone for nine.

Opener Nathan Stannard maintained his form with 23no to see PO Milan home in the 15th over.

A beautifully measured innings of 58no by Mawer saw Novartis 2nds gain their first win of the season when they met Phoenix 2nds.

In the Phoenix innings Kev Harris (14) and Gareth Cook (29) laid the foundations before Zubair (50no) took control and the hosts finished on 123 for six.

For the visitors, S Fields bowled a tidy spell of 5-1-13-0, while Rick McLellan (5-0-22-3) and Martin (5-0-48-2) were amongst the wickets.

Number three Mawer hit his unbeaten 50 with useful support from Taylor (17), McLellaa (14) and Deans (nine not out) to steer Novartis home to their three wicket win at the start of the 18th over.

For Phoenix, Tim Tait picked off four splendid victims behind the timbers, while Craig Dickson took the bowling honours with three for 21 from five overs.

Zubair collected two for 15 from two.

3Q maintained their 100 per cent record in division seven with a nine-wicket victory over Whitgift.

Whitgift openers D Grest (14) and Richard Braithwaite (11) gave their side a good start before they were both dismissed by Jameson (4-0-15-2).

Fellow new-ball bowler Carr (4-0-18-2) then got amongst the wickets before change bowlers Howard (4-2-8-2) and Matthews (4-1-4-2) kept the shackles on with miserly spells.

H Brady made ten not out to take Whitgift's score up to 45 for eight after 16 overs.

After losing an early wicket, Jason Moore (17no) and Jameson (24no) guided 3Q home in the seventh over.

Healing RBL remain hot on the heels of 3Q after defeating Grimsby Institute by 70 runs.

Pete O'Connor (5-2-11-4) bowled a fine spell for the Institute and included Winship (21) amongst his victims.

The Healing innings was dominated by an excellent 87 not out from Wright and with support from Altoft (14) and Parker (eight not out) they closed on 157 for six.

Winship (5-0-19-3) removed both the Institute openers, lan Barnsley (30) and Michael (11).

Then a four-wicket burst from Godley (5-0-23-4) brought down Goodman (12) and put paid to the visitors middle-order.

Parker (5-0-19-2) bagged a brace of wickets, while an unbeaten 13 from FJlis gave the Institute a total of 87 all out after 19 overs.

Honours List, Divisions 4-7

Batting: R Brice, Clee Vagbonds, 94; Wright , Healing RBL, 87 not out; P Merrison, Clee united Old Boys, 68; N Arundel, Norfolk Line, 66; A George, Tetney, 58; Mawer, Novartis 2, 58 not out; P Holmes, Crows Nest 1, 57 not out; J Battersby, Hendry Electrical, 52; D Tolson, Clee Vagabonds 52; Zobair, Phoenix 2, 50 not out.

Bowling: P O'Connor, Grimsby Institute 5-2-11-4; L Rodgers, Hendry Electrical 4.3-0-20-4; Godley, Healing RBL 5-0-23-4; J Rock, Crows List 1 5-0-24-4; A Currie, PO Milan 2 5-0-28-4.

Fielding: T Tait, Phoenix 2, 4 catches.

Punjab's Pali keeps the Lions roaring

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

OPENING bowler Pali took six wickets as Punjab Lions continued their winning start in division three of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Cricket League.

The Lions had already piled the pressure on opponents HLC Badgers with a stunning opening stand of 171 with Indy Hayre hitting 96 and Sangha 71no.

And the combination of supreme form with both bat and ball saw Lions thrash the inconsistent HLC Badgers with a winning margin of 156 runs.

The Lions batted first and set off in their now traditional high octane fashion through Hayre and Sangha.

They weren't separated until there were only three balls remaining in the innings.

Hayre tried to bring up his century in style but fell to a good catch by Steve Wright in the deep.

His 14 boundaries and one maximum had put the Lions in the driving seat and they closed on 177 for one.

Pali then set about the Badgers top order.

He removed four of their top five batsmen for ducks and finished with wonderful figures of 4-2-7-6.

With Girish (4-0-9-1) and Udi Sheikh (2.2-2-0-2) also contributing to the Badgers's parade of low scores, it required Howard to stick around for 11no to boost his sides total up to 21 all out in the fifteenth over.

Meanwhile over at HLC, Harvest Moon had elected to bat in their game against Cuxwold.

A very solid and consistent performance followed from the Moon's batsmen as Bentley (20) and Morgan (21) built the platform for Turner (19no) and Warnock (34no) to post a competitive 126 for three from 20 overs.

It was a welcome return to form for Warnock.

Turner then opened the bowling and was rewarded with figures of two for 26 as he removed both opening batsmen. Warnock also chipped in with two for 35 as he bagged both top scorers in T Bromley (26) and M Cooper (30).

The Moon bowling attack was well supported in the field with good catches from Turner (three), Board (two) and even one from Mark 'slap my hands' Hutchinson.

Bentley then bowled the last two batsmen to ensure he mopped up the entire tail and finish with a superb five-wicket haul for only 19 runs.

Elsewhere in division three, Rovers secured a comfortable 55-run victory over Bradley Old Boys – thanks in no small part to D Barker, who top-scored with 44 in a total of 118 for five before taking four for 17 as Bradley were dismissed for 51.

Division one has now been reduced to a six-team league following the mid-season withdrawal of Immingham Blossom Way.

It is a particular shame for some of the club's long-serving players like Parker, Marfleet and Fountain who have earned a crack at top-flight cricket over the years and may now have to wait a little longer to test themselves at the highest local level.

IBW's 2010 results have been expunged from the record books and the league table also reflects that.

In division one reigning champions Blossom Way OB crush a weakened Waltham Millers side by a massive 139 runs.

The victory was set up by a breathtaking opening stand of 179 by Danny Portus (119) and Rob Todd (64).

The Millers' attack was punished by some ferocious hitting as Portus launched seven maximums on his way to a life-time best midweek score.

BWOB closed on an enormous 206 for three from only 16 overs which was never realistically in the under-strength villager's sights.

R Sands showed plenty of fight in his 24no but that was the only highlight in a total of 67 for five.

G Tillison was the bowling pick with 4-2-6-1, ably supported by A Portus who returned 4-1-12-2.

The withdrawal of Immingham BW does mean that there will be no relegation from this year, something which will no doubt be a relief to the Millers as they can now play without the pressure of battling against the drop.

A superb individual performance by Chandika inspired One Medical 1st to victory over Old Clee at the Stamford Club.

Firstly he smashed 85 runs in a total of 163 for four, helped by 48no from Hawkins. He then followed that with an economical spell of one for 17 which helped restrict Old Clee to 137 for four.

Opener Hardy top scored with 55 and S Campbell chipped in with 47 but both good knocks proved to be in vain.

Grimsby Town Pumas continued their good start to the season with a nine-wicket home win over Willys.

The Pumas's opening bowlers Taylor (1 for 12) and White (1 for 15) kept things tight before Nick Gibbons took out the middle order returning 3 for 26.

A late 32no from R Woodward pushed the score onto a respectable, but still below par, total of 96 for 5.

The Pumas's reply suffered an early setback as bowling pick Foster (1 for 13) made an early breakthrough. However, this was where Willys's joy was to end as Crossley (58no) and Taylor (29no) guided their team home with 33 runs to spare

Another team to win by nine wickets were Emplex as they breezed past Wilkin Chapman BWT at their Healing HQ.

The hosts were invited to bat and found all the Emplex bowlers in economical mood.

Only C Robinson with 26 made any real headway and BWT closed on 76 for 6 from 16 overs.

That was a target that a team with the batting talent of Emplex would always find to be within their reach and so it proved as Coy (43) and Cocks (25no) dominated and reached the target within eight overs.

Phoenix 1 couldn't raise a side so the points were awarded to PO Milan 1st who remain the only unbeaten team in division two.

The first century of the season from Darren Gamwell saw Hendry Electricals defeat division four rivals Grainthorpe at the hospital ground.

Grainthorpe must have been confident after scoring 172 for three from 20 overs.

C Elvidge top-scored with 62 before falling to Gamwell (5-0-37-1), with notable contributions from P Burrell (47), M Palmer (16) and A Marsh (nine not out).

Smith (5-0-37-2) took two early wickets, including Lynch (15), for Grainthorpe but could do nothing to stop opener Gamwell who began to unleash his power.

Burrell (4.2-0-24-3) gave his side hope with crucial wickets but Gamwell stood firm and was unbeaten on 110 when Hendry won by three wickets with four balls to spare.

Tetney batted first against Westlands and, against his former club, Jack Harrison scored an impressive 75 before being bowled by Ken Meech (5-0-14-2).

S Ford took three for 44 from his five overs but, with Paul Shawcross making 30 before retiring, Tetney closed on 164 for eight.

Scott Hilton (5-0-25-2) claimed two early wickets in Westlands reply.

S Ford (17) and R Bell (27) staged a small recovery before they were both dismissed by Mark Fisher (2-0-9-2), while James McGregor (2.2-0-11-3) wrapped up the tail as Westlands were bowled out for 97 in the 20th over.

A consistently economical performance from all the Woodlands bowlers featuring no wides or no balls helped the Immingham side to an eight-wicket win over Crystal Millennium.

Nigel Walker (5-1-14-0) and Humphrey (5-0-16-1) kept the openers quiet with Mike Binns (15) and Andy Grainger (16) finding there were no poor balls to score from.

This trend continued through Bilton (5-0-15-1) and Paul Fannon (5-0-21-3) as Crystal closed on 69 for five, with Hardy unbeaten on 14.

Woodlands new recruit Tony Potter continued his good form and anchored the innings with 17 not out, while Johnny Leach top-scored with 22 and the winning runs were scored at the end of the 16th over.

Clee Vagabonds continue to lead division five after gaining a nine-wicket win over Crows Nest 1sts.

Simon Taylor (5-2-8-1) and Harness (5-1-13-2) put the Crows' on the back-foot with their early wickets.

Sam Would (5-1-20-2) nipped in with a brace of wickets, but Phil Rogers (5-1-29-5) took the bowling honours with a five-wicket haul which included the wicket of Jimmy Rock (27) as Crows Nest were bowled out for 81.

Fred Lumby (25) was the only Vagabond to fall as Dan Tolson (37no) and Craig Brown (six not out) saw their side home after 14 overs.

A spectacular high-scoring match between Phoenix 2nds and division six rivals CSSC Emplex took place at the hospital ground with the result decided off the last ball of the match.

Batting first, Phoenix posted a score of 189 for six in 20 overs.

Gareth Cook (84) was again in imperious form ably supported by Kev Harris (25), Jason Stead (26), Tim Tait (13no) and David Pears, whose brutal innings of 18 was terminated by a brilliant running one-handed catch by Bignell.

Chief wicket-taker for CSSC was Rushby with four for 54.

The CSSC reply was dominated by Karl Sykes (96) who was in the form of his life and, with three sixes and 13 fours, ensured the visitors were always up with the run rate.

He was cruelly denied a century by a good catch at deep long off by Cook.

Andy Dulieu (5-0-53-2) picked up the wickets of R Cook (10) and Bignell (23) which brought Jeff Hutchinson (27no) to the middle and, with his wise head on young shoulders, he hit the final ball for four with three needed for victory.

A good all-round display gave One Medical 2nds the spoils when they played host to Crows Nest 2nds.

Tom Brierley (5-0-20-2) made an early breakthrough for the Crows' but opener Hawkins went on to score 33.

Nick Southern (42 no) and Chris Horsefall (32 no) kept the momentum going as One Medical closed on 136 for three.

A run-out and three wickets for J Tye (5-0-14-3) left the Crows' in serious trouble.

Fellow new-ball bowler Josh Moore (4-0-17-2) bowled Dave Winslow for 18 and, with Shay Offiler (4-0-12-1) removing R Hopkins (11), Crows Nest were bowled out for 60 in the 18th over to give One Medical a 76-run win.

Healing RBL won their third successive game to move into second place in division seven when they defeated Huntsman Hotspurs.

The Hotspurs innings was dominated by a second-wicket stand between Kev Tilby (47 no) and Dave Chesman (36), while an unbeaten 11 from Lee Melin gave them a total of 104 for two.

Healing's openers Wright (52) and Bray (31) gave their side a bright start before a succession of run-outs left them floundering.

Scott steadied the ship with nine before he fell to Chesman (4.2-1-16-2) and two wickets for Rouse (3-0-18-2) left the game in the balance.

An unbeaten four from D Altoft gave Healing a three-wicket win, with four balls to spare.

Grimsby Institute were held to 64 for eight from their 18 overs by the league leaders 3Q.

Opener Michael top-scored for the visitors with 23 but good bowling from Jameson and Carr, who returned identical figures of 5-0-18-1, kept the shackles on.

Ellis made 10 before falling to Alien (4-0-12-2), while Vasey (4-0-16-2) also bagged a brace of wickets.

An obdurate 31 from 3Q opener Jason Moore set up his side's victory despite the efforts of Pete O'Conner (3-1-12-3) and Goodman (2-0-7-2).

Mumby (17no) and Carr (four not out) gave 3Q a four-wicket win in the 13th over.

Midweek honours

Division One to Three

Batting: Danny Portus, Blossom Way OB 119; Indy Hayre, Punjab Lions 96; Sangha, Punjab Lions 71no; Chandika, One Medical 1 85; Rob Todd, Blossom Way OB 64; Crossley, Grimsby Pumas 58no; Hardy, Old Clee 55.

Bowling: Pali, Punjab Lions 4-2-7-6; R Bentley, Harvest Moon 5-0-19-5.

Catches: Turner, Harvest Moon 3.

Division Four to Seven

Batting: D Gamwell, Hendry Electrical 110no; K Sykes, CSSC Emplex 96; G Cook, Phoenix 2 84; J Harrison, Tetney 75; C Elvidge, Grainthorpe 62; Wright, Healing RBL 52; K Tilby, Huntsman Hotspurs 47no; P Burrell, Grainthorpe 47; N Southern, One Medical 2 42no.

Bowling: P Rogers, Clee Vagabonds 5-1-29-5; Rushby, CSSC Emplex 5-0-54-4.

Catches: C Horsfall, One Medial 2 3.

Rock on fire for Crows Nest

Sat, 29 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

CROWS Nest first beat Norfolk Line by 74 runs in Division Five of the Grimsby and District Midweek Cricket League.

Crow's Nest batted first and made a blistering 145 for one from their 16 overs.

Paul Holmes top-scored with a near-flawless 79 not out and Crow's captain Lewis MacDonald scored a typically aggressive 59 before finally departing in the penultimate over.

In reply, the loss of early wickets set the tone for the rest of the innings with Arundel (28) and Easton (13) showing some spirited middle order resistance in the face of some disciplined bowling.

James Rock was the star of the show as he claimed four wickets in four balls on his way to exceptional figures of five wickets for six runs off four overs.

Norfolk Line were all out for 71.

Western Old Boys clinch winning double to go top of league

Wed, 26 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

WESTERN Old Boys made it two wins out of two at the expense of Waltham Millers to go top of the John Pettit Grimsby & District Midweek Cricket League.

Batting first, the Old Boys recovered from an early breakthrough by Hanson (two for 27) to post an imposing 133 for four from 16 overs.

Opener Bellamy chipped in with 24 and, at number three, K Richardson batted almost the entire innings for 56 not out.

The Millers made a game attempt at chasing down their target, but a tight opening spell from Clough (one for 16) always had them behind the rate.

Rich Griffin, with 63, dominated the Villager's scorecard, but his efforts were in vain as they closed on 120 for five, 13 runs adrift.

Also in the top flight, Holton le Clay Exiles and Catholic Sports registered their first points of the season in a thrilling tied game at HLC.

The visitors batted first and found early runs hard to come by against a good spell of bowling from Paul Jackson (one for 12).

Pat Hughes pushed the score along with an aggressive 38, and Steve Clifton's solid 29 not out was topped off by a huge six from the last ball of the innings.

Needing 100 to win, the Exiles run chase looked to be perfectly timed as P Briggs accelerated to 43 and put his team in the strong position of only requiring 23 off four overs with nine wickets in hand.

Some excellent bowling, however, notably from young left-hand seamer Lloyd Carr (three for 23) left HLC needing ten off the final over and then two off the last ball to win.

The unfortunate A Tyler slipped and fell attempting a second run and was run out, leaving honours even and the points shared.

PHONEX first team put in the star performance of the week in division two, posting the first 200-plus score of the season on their way to beating Emplex at Hospital HQ.

The hosts were soon in the runs with Faizal (76) and C Imran (69) dominating proceedings.

Coy managed to slow the run rate a little, with two for 18 from three overs, but the Doctors still managed to score a mammoth 202 for six from 20 overs.

The Emplex reply started brightly, with Coy (44) and Blackburn (35).

They were soon pegged back, though, as three wickets each for A Imran, C Imran and Faizal swung the game towards Phoenix.

Even 36 extras were not enough, as Emplex were dismissed off the last ball of their innings for 182, 20 runs short.

Grimsby Town Pumas – the team formally known as Barton Windows – overcame Old Clee at Augusta Street to remain unbeaten.

Solid contributions from the Pumas' top three of H Warwick (40) Crossley (34) and Waters (40) saw them to 150 for five.

Old Clee's run chase started in fine fashion with J Campbell (49) and A Hardy (45) scoring heavily.

A Warwick (3-1-8-1) swung the game back towards the Pumas. Old Clee eventually closed on 134 for five.

If Phoenix took the team performance prize, then the individual one must go to One Medical's opening batsman A Uhalla, who crashed a century as his side completely outplayed Willy's Cleethorpes.

He shared in two good partnerships, with R Baty (15) and M Swift (22), before eventually falling to a magnificent catch on the boundary by S Butterfield in the last over of the innings having scored exactly 100.

Uhalla's century included six sixes and nine fours.

His big hitting pushed One Medical to 161 for four from 20 overs

Chasing such a big target Willys needed to get off to a good start.

But they lost early wickets too quickly and too cheaply. Only A Pearson (21) showed any real resistance.

Opening bowlers McFarlane 3-0-25-3 and Thompson 3-0-18-3 did the damage.

M Burgess added 15 not out at the end of the innings but the game had been well lost by that time, Willy's all out for 88 in just 16 overs.

The final game in division two saw PO Milan first team see off Wilkin Chapman BWT at Barretts.

Openers Dave Laister (39) and Aisthorpe (32) top-scored for BWT as they recorded 117 for five from 20 overs.

The Posties reply was timed to perfection with J Parker's 58 the backbone of the chase.

Ably supported by K Parker (26) and Holmes (14 not out), they passed the winning post with four balls and six wickets to spare.

PUNJAB Lions made a winning debut in division three at home againstHarvest Moon.

The visitors chose to field first and excellent opening spells of 4-2-9-0 from D Baker and 4-1-16-2 from Phil Hutchinson saw the Punjab batsmen forced into playing a cautious game.

This was the calm before the storm, however, as Hayre (61 not out) started to dispatch the change bowlers to all parts of the ground as he plundered eight boundaries and three maximums - and the Lions closed on a healthy 112 for four from 16 overs.

The Moon's reply was soon in all sorts of trouble as both openers were run out and the middle order were knocked over by Gilrish (4-1-17-2). They closed on 65 for seven.

Number six Gav Turner top scored with a meagre 12 as the Moon's innings crept to a close on 65 for seven.

Humberston Blossom Way clinched the two points away at Bradley Old Boys.

Opener Wyld's 45 not out and another strong bowling performance that saw 3 wickets apiece for Hayley Butts, Keith Dent and Graham Avison guided them to the win.

WOODLANDS secured their first league win since 2008 with a seven-wicket victory over division four rivals Novartis 1sts.

Novartis opener L Short blasted 29 before falling to an excellent catch by Humphrey. J Mawer (19) and S Caskell (nine) were both dismissed by Keith Taylor (5-0-32-2). D Jackson added 11 for the visitors, while D Mawer hit a superb 36 not out as Novartis closed on 118 for five.

Woodlands' reply started badly with the run out of Leach for 11, but steady batting from Robinson (24) and Fannon (22) kept the hosts up with the run rate.

Despite a slight wobble when those two fell, some late fireworks from Lewis Wilson (23 not out) and especially Kev Taylor (22 not out), who hit the winning runs with a six, saw Woodlands home with eight balk to spare.

Andy Grainger made 56 in Crystal Millennium's total of 100 for eight (all out) when they entertained North Thoresby.

Grainger fell to spin-king Scott Freeman (4-0-11-4), who also accounted for Ross Hardy (17). Neil Burniston scored 14 before Dave Richardson (4.4-0-28-2) took the last two wickets.

Thoresby lost two early wickets and had to contend with a tidy spell from Hardy (4-1-11-0) before Richardson (50 not out) and Paul Hooper (10 not out) secured Thoresby's eight-wicket win at the start of the fourteenth over.

Hendry Electrical bowled Westlands out for a meagre 32 to set up their eight-wicket victory at the Stamford club.

Westlands lost early wickets to Andy Todd (5-2-8-2) and J Lehman (5-1-14-3), while Darren Gamwell (2-1-1-2) and Phil Parsons (1.3-0-7-1) completed the demolition job, with C Williams holding three catches.

P Chessman picked up his second Hendry wicket when he had Lehman caught for 14. Gamwell (six not out) and Phil Parsons (12 not out) sealed the win after eight overs.

Keelby gained their second win of the season in division five when they beat Crows Nest firsts by five runs.

Keelby's innings of 134 for seven was dominated by openers M Bevis (52) and D Bevis (29), who both fell to Andy Edwards (5-0-30--3).

Paul Holmes claimed three for 28 from five overs, but M Phillips and M Wright remained unbeaten on 11 and seven respectively as the innings closed.

A Briggs (3-0-15-3) decimated the Crows' middle -order, but a fine undefeated 65 from Holmes always kept the visitors in contention. Mark Genney's 26 proved to be in vain as Crows Nest were held to 129 for five.

Clee Vagabonds Simon Taylor (5-1-17-3) picked up the first of his three wickets when he bowled Stallingborough's opener Dave Wesley for 20.

Good batting from experienced duo Andy Howard (41) and Brace Roberts (37) gave Stallingborough a total of 108 for six.

In the field, Stallingborough must be ruing the fact that they dropped D Brice five times as his unbeaten 69 gave the Vagabonds their five-wicket win in the final over, which was bowled by M Newton (4.2-0-22-2).

CSSC Emplex seconds notched their first win in division six this season when they pipped Crows Nest 2nds in the final over.

Crows' lost both openers cheaply to Mitchell (4-1-21-2), but then Nick Gray came to the fore and his 42 not out, along with knocks from Reg Giles (15) and D Miller (ten) gave Crows Nest a total of 113 for five from 16 overs.

CSSC lost three quick wickets before a partnership from Nick Gregory (17) and Jeff Hutchinson put them on course for victory.

When Hutchiiisoe (38) was dismissed by Tom Brierley (4-0-25-3) and Giles (4-0-24-2) accounted for Townsend (13) the game was in the balance.

But Mitchell (six not out) and Rusby (three not out) allayed CSSC Emplex's fears as they sealed their three-wicket win with fours balls left.

Early-season leaders Post Office Milan seconds gained a comfortable nine-wicket win over One Medical 2nds.

One Medical's Dan Stephens batted well for his 42 not out, unfortunately for him he was the only player to reach double figures as they we re held to 79 for six off 20 overs.

Chris Sylvester (4-1-4-0) kept it tight at the start, while Andy Carrie (4-1-9-3) and Glyn Benbow (3-0-20-2) were the Posties main wicket-takers.

Post Office Milan reached their target in the fourteenth over, with Gary Herrett (37 not out) and Benbow (31 not out) securing their second win of the campaign.

Two new teams met each other looking for their first win in division seven, with Healing RBL coming out on top over Grimsby Institute.

Healing's bowler N Wright (5-0-26-2) picked up his second wicket when he bowled Pete O'Conntor for 20, while his new-ball partner C Jennings (5-0-13-1) accounted for Nathan Michael (10).

D Goodman and Thej made 15 and ten respectively before they were run oat as Grimsby Institute were bowled out for 84 in the sixteenth over.

Healing lost as early wicket to Girish (5-1-13-1), but got the board licking through N Wright, who made 19 before falling to O'Connor (3-0-11-2).

Dave Topliss (36 not out) and W Irvine (17 not owl) paced their partnership well to give Healing RBL their six-wicket win in the final over.

League newcomers Oasis Academy also notched their first win when they defeated Huntsman Hotspurs by 26 runs.

Darren Burchall (36) and Volley (16) scored the bulk of Oasis's rues in a third-wicket stand until they were both discussed by Glenn Nicholson (4-0-17-2).

Two Hotspur bowlers, Lee Melin (4-0-23-2) and Pete Rouse (4-0-15-2), bagged a brace of wickets apiece as D Scott (eight not out) gave Oasis a total of 86 for six off 16 overs.

Matt Cooley top-scored with 17 in Hotspurs' reply before he was stumped off Burchall (2-1-2-3).

Mason added 11 before he was bowled by Scott (3-0-11-2), leaving Lee Melin (14 not out) and Scott Melin (eight not out) to see Huntsman's innings out on 60 for six.

Blossom Way Old Boys racing away to double

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:00:00 GMT

IN the week where England brought home the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup the race has begun to find this year's local champions in the most exciting form of the game.

The 2010 season of the John Pettit Grimsby & District Cricket Midweek League is off and running – and last year's Division One Champions Blossom Way Old Boys have continued where they left off.

The division one title holders inflicted a 96-run defeat on hosts Catholic Sports. The newly promoted side will now be aware of the high standard in the top flight.

BWOB batted first in a game reduced to 16 overs. Although Henry made an early breakthrough, Todd (51) and Unsworth (43) started to pile on the runs.

And a late 17 not-out from Irvine saw them finish on 143 for three.

The Catholics' reply started badly as first Gary Tillison (pictured above) (3-0-10-5) and later R Hodgson (4-0-12-4) tore through their batting line-up.

Only Hughes and Clifton made double figures as the hosts were dismissed at the end of the 13th over for 47.

Fellow promoted team Immingham Blossom Way had a more successful opening venture, beating Waltham Millers by five wickets.

Batting first, the Millers were restricted to 72 for six from their 16 overs, Hamilton returning economical figures of 4-1-9-1.

Rich Griffin was the only batsman to make double figures, notching 26.

IBW's Brown made 32 not out in reply, but had little support from his fellow batsmen.

He still managed, however, to guide his team to a five-wicket win, sealing the result on the last ball.

Western OB also made a winning start by overcoming Holton-le-Clay by nine runs at the Stamford Club.

J Richardson top-scored for the hosts with 36 as WOBs posted 12 for four.

P Briggs led the run chase with 45 but Ian Hallam's four-wicket haul for 21 runs ensured the WOBs defended their total.

Springfield Ibwest did not play this week as this year's division one involves seven teams following the late withdrawal of Old Winghams.

RELEGATED Emplex began their campaign to bounce back at the first attempt in division two with a 12-run victory against Willy's Cleethorpes.

The Willy's opening bowling attack of Sunley and Tulley kept things tight and restricted Emplex to 36 for two after eight overs.

But a spirited 46 from Chandrasekera and a late flurry of runs saw Emplex close on a more than respectable 112 for four.

Melville (20) and Butterfield (51) made hay in reply with the bat and at the halfway stage Willy's looked favourites to win having reached 57 without loss.

The introduction of spin, however, in the forms of Waghorn (two for 14) and Meadows (three for 16), slowed the scoring rate and wrapped up a victory that looked unlikely eight overs earlier.

From their next game, Emplex will play their home games at Augusta Street, not Barretts.

Barton Windows, also relegated from division one last season, made a late request to be known as Grimsby Town Pumas ahead of their win at Healing.

Barnard (three for 20) and Stark (three for five) ripped through Healing's middle order and tail as BWT closed on 101, all out on the last ball of their 20 overs.

Puma wicketkeeper Crossley then added to his three dismissals with the gloves by hitting 30 runs.

Despite a frugal spell of bowling from Chris Laister, big-hitting number three Chris Waters crashed his way to 39 not out and saw his side to victory with eight wickets and 4.4 overs to spare.

Old Clee made 113 for two from 16 overs against Phoenix firsts at Stamford Club, with Abe (40) and Campbell (41) contributing the lions share of the runs.

Fazel (51) and Jafrez (40 not out) then dominated the run chase.

And Phoenix reached their target with 2.2 overs to spare.

HAYLEY Butts put in a stunning bowling performance as Humberston BW beat HLC Badgers in division three of the Grimsby & District Midweek Cricket League.

Before her impact in the field HBW had posted a total of 136 for six from their seven overs, Wyld (37) and Ellis (44) putting in good shifts with the bat.

Butts, who was riled after being given out lbw for 0 in that innings, channelled her aggression into producing a stunning opening bowling spell.

She culled the Badgers' top order to put the result beyond doubt, finishing on figures of 5-1-9-5.

Butts was also backed up by the evergreen HBW pairing of Dent (two for 19) and G Avison (two for six).

The bowling attack restricted the Badgers to just 47 runs before they were all out in the 20th over.

The one-sided affair at Blossom way was the only division three fixture played following the late withdrawal of Cleethorpes Academy first team from the league.

Their absence meant that there was no fixture for Punjab Lions, who will being their campaign this evening against Harvest Moon at Healing British Legion.

Harvest Moon ready for a sparkling night

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:30:00 GMT

SEVEN awards will make it a sparkling night at the annual dinner for John Pettit Grimsby & District Cricket League outfit Harvest Moon.

The Saturday League champions, who also field a Division Three midweek side, caught the amazing haul thanks to excellent individual performances with bat and ball and a knockout cup final appearance in the fledgling weekend competition.

Punjab Lions, a side tearing up the league ladder, will collect five awards, with Old Calathumpians following with four.

Top silverware goes to S Wright of Holton-le-Clay Badgers (most runs in all divisions) and G Hackney of Clee United Old Boys and K Meech of Westlands, who share the honours for most wickets taken.

Blossom Way Old Boys will collect the Telegraph Vase as Division One champions in midweek, having pipped Springfield Ibwest to the title.

The dinner takes place at McMenemy's Blundell Park, Cleethorpes, on Thursday, March 18, and is this year being organised by the Lincolnshire Cricket League.

Details on how to apply for tickets will be announced shortly.

All trophies issued for the 2008 season should be returned to Gradely Aports Awards, 145 Corporation Road, Grimsby, by January 31.

Annual awards for the 2009 season:

DIVISION ONE

Telegraph Vase Champions: Blossom Way Old Boys

Harrison Cup Runners-up: Springfield Ibwest

Baker Cup Batting: Rb Griffin, Waltham Millers

Hooton Cup Bowling:I Hallam, Western Old Boys

DIVISION TWO

United CC Cup: Immingham Blossom Way

Frisby Cup: Catholic Sports

HW Wilson Cup: G Carlton, Wilkin Chapman BWT

Fish Cup: M Brown, Immingham Blossom Way

DIVISION THREE

Moss Shield: One Medical I

Abraham Cup: Old Clee

Would Cup: P Hutchinson, Harvest Moon

Gower Cup: C Humphrey, Harvest Moon

DIVISION FOUR

Barrett Cup: Punjab Lions

Goude Cup: Holton-le-Clay Badgers

Bob Walker Cup: I Hayre, Punjab Lions

Ingham Cup: I Sandhu, Punjab Lions

DIVISION FIVE

British Titan Cup: Cristal Millennium

Findus Cup: Grainthorpe

Ross Cup: B Roberts, Stallingborough

Salvesons Cup: A Peat, Grainthorpe

DIVISION SIX

Laporte Cup: Cleethorpes Vagabonds

Victory Cup: Clee United Old Boys

Norman J Smith Trophy: M Hart, Clee United Old Boys

Charles Warman Trophy: G Hackney, Clee United Old Boys

DIVISION SEVEN

Cheeseman Memorial Cup: Crows Nest 2

Robertson Cup: Post Office Milan 2

Charles Proctor Trophy: G Herrett, Post Office Milan 2

Fred Proctor Trophy: R Coles, Whitgift

SATURDAY LEAGUE

Curry Cup: Harvest Moon

Brocklesby Cup: Old Calathumpians

Falconer Cup: A Tyler, Old Calathumpians

Curry Cup: R Bentley, Harvest Moon

KNOCK-OUT COMPETITIONS

IBWEST Cup (Midweek cup winners): Emplex

Yorkshire Bank Cup (Man of the Match): D Coy Emplex

IBWEST Cup (Best comp performance): S West, Holton-le-Clay Badgers

Saturday Knock-Out Winners: Old Calathumpians

Sat KO Final Man of the Match: P Hutchinson, Harvest Moon

MIDWEEK INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Standaloft Cup (Most runs all divisions): S Wright, Holton-le-Clay Badgers

Pearce Cup (Most wickets all divisions): G Hackney, Clee United Old Boys & K Meech, Westlands

Appleyard Cup (Most catches, wicketkeeper): P Chapman, Grainthorpe & P Gill, Punjab Lions

GF Clark Trophy (Most catches, exc. wicketkeepers): S Butterfield, R Everitt & J Sandhu, Willy's, Clee Utd & Punjab

Croft Baker Cup (Best indiv. performance, batsman): G Cook, Phoenix 2

Croft Baker Cup (Best indiv. performance, bowler): M Brown, Immingham Blossom Way

Jill Bontoft Cup (Best indiv. performance, youth batsman): C Robinson, Wilkin Chapman BWT

Barry Brown Cup (Best indiv. performance, youth bowler): B Pedersen, Tetney

Irene Buck Cavaliers Cup (Lady supporter of the year): K Coles, Whitgift

George Marshall Cup (Cricket personality of the year): A Sykes, Waltham Millers

Kennedy Cup (Secretary of the year): P Burrell, Grainthorpe

Tom Johnson Memorial Trophy (Clubman of the year): P Weller, Harv Moon

Shock as reigning champs Emplex suffer relegation misery after last-day defeat

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:30:00 GMT

THE final round of fixtures in the John Petitt Midweek Cricket League produced the usual mix of twists and turns – as well as confirming a relegation that nobody could have predicted at the start of the season.

Last year's champions, Emplex, hosted Springfield Ibwest knowing that, because of their inferior head-to-head record against Holton-le-Clay, they needed at least a point to stand any chance of staying up.

Springfield batted first and J Osmond, with 96 not out, dominated the Emplex bowlers.

Ably supported by E Carlton (26no) they closed on 133 for one from 16 overs.

This mammoth total was always likely to be beyond Emplex and so it proved. Despite a solid start, Change bowler M Owen ripped through the top order to record figures of 4-1-15-4 and restrict the hosts to 76 for six, thus condemning Emplex to relegation to Division Two.

This result also ensured Springfield Ibwest clinched the runners-up spot behind Blossom Way Old Boys and effectively made all other Division One fixtures dead rubbers.

Holton-le-Clay, of course, were not to know this at the time and must have been concerned when they slipped to a one-run defeat at the hands of Old Winghams.

Winghams' openers Antcliffe (55) and Cocks (59) set the tone as they put on 127 for two from 16 overs.

New (55) kept HLC in the hunt but his efforts proved ultimately to be in vain.

Waltham Millers against Blossom Way OB was a fixture with nothing riding on it at all and it turned into proper end-of-season match played in a great spirit.

Nine-man Millers gave everyone a bowl to celebrate a successful first season in Division One and BWOB posted 137 for five. Todd top-scored with 49.

Waltham were reduced to eight with Shelton having to go to hospital having sustained a finger injury attempting a catch.

BWOB, also shuffling their bowlers, closed on 50 for seven. Watkinson finished with the impressive figures of 2-0-4-3.

Barton Windows couldn't raise a side and conceded their fixture against Western OB.

In Division Six, Gareth Cook scored a magnificent 125 for Phoenix 2nds against Huntsman Tioxide at the hospital ground.

It was his maiden century in any form of competitive cricket, and his innings included 16 fours and seven sixes before he was bowled by Smith (5-0-44-2).

Fellow opener Kev Harris contributed 33 not out in their partnership of 154 as Phoenix closed on 172 for two after 20 overs.

Faced with a formidable total, Tioxide were in soon in trouble losing both openers before a run had been scored.

A run-out and two more wickets for Craig Dickson (5-1-15-3), including the dismissal of Darwood (19), left the home side in control.

Smith and Scott Melin added 12 and 10 respectively before Henry Gillott (4.3-0-24-4) bowled Tioxide out for 77 in the 18th over, giving Phoenix a 95-run victory.

In a game between the top two, with nothing at stake, Clee Vagabonds batted first when they visited Clee United Old Boys.

Opener John Hood made 59 before he retired, while there were important contributions from Sam Would (48) and Simon Taylor (24), who was bowled by Graham Hackney (2-1-13-2).

Matt Shelton (11 not out) and Mike Axcell (14 not out) saw the Vagabonds reach 160 for four after 20 overs.

In reply, Clee United fell short by 21 runs on 139 for six, with the highlight being a fine 58 from Jamie Withers.

Dave Ricketts added 24 and Rob Kurz hit a quick 17 before both batsmen fell to Harness (2-0-19-2).

K Short top-scored with 33 for Novartis 2nds in their game with One Medical 2nds.

Burgess (12) and Pearson (10) both fell to Thompson (3-0-14-2), while 11 not out from Hall gave Novartis a 16-over total of 83 for eight.

One Medical's openers, Horsfall (11) and Heeney (eight), both fell to Brett (2-0-4-2).

Then, after Craigie (10) and Thompson (25) were dismissed by Overton (2-1-3-2) and Short (2-0-8-2) respectively, the home side began to lose wickets regularly.

One Medical did, however, end up on 79 for eight, just four behind Novartis.

In Division Two, Phoenix had the opportunity to seal promotion back to Division One if they could beat already relegated Cuxwold at the villagers picturesque ground.

Phoenix set 121 all out in the 19th over with opener Faisal top scoring with 59 and B Swift was the bowling pick with 4.2-1-25-3, but Richardson, 2/11, and Riley, 2/4, also made telling contributions.

Although they lost wickets at regular intervals, Cuxwold's reply was always up with the rate and they made the doctors regret not batting all 20 overs as they brought up the win with 9 balls and4 wickets to spare.

Opener Ratchford top-scored with 36 in a result which must make Cuxwold confident they can bounce straight back next year.

This result then gave Catholic sports a wonderful opportunity to leapfrog Phoenix and secure the runners-up spot themselves.

This was a challenge they managed very comfortably with a 62-run victory over PO Milan 1sts.

The Catholics set 123 for five with Henry top-scoring with 47.

He then went on to complete a fine all round game by bagging two for eight as the Posties toiled to 61 all out in the 16th over.

Champions Immingham Blossom Way finished the season with a 108-run victory over the already safe Willy's Cleethorpes in another fixture where everyone was given a bowl.

Garlick, at number seven, top-scored with 56 for IBW while Cowlam (30) held the Willy's reply together.

Wilkin Chapman BWT celebrated their highest finish for more than a decade, securing fourth spot in Division Two with a 59-run victory over relegated Bradley Old Boys.

A near 100 partnership from openers George Carlton (60) and Adam Aisthorpe (36) laid the foundations for the victory, cemented with frugal bowling from father and son Steve and Chris Laister.

In Division Three, One Medical 1sts secured a second successive promotion and clinched the Championship with Victory at promotion rivals Harvest Moon.

Ullah lead the way for the visitors with a superb 71no which included five maximums as they set an imposing 122 for five from 16 overs.

Openers Bentley (27) and Morgan (25) got Moon off to a flyer, but the introduction of Baz Potter's left arm spin swung the game his side's way. He bamboozled the top and middle order and finished with 5/21 from his four overs. The Moon lads never recovered and eventually closed on 102 for six, 20 runs adrift.

Humberston BW beat, and drew level on points with, their promotion rivals Old Clee.

However, the 20-run margin of victory wasn't quite enough to secure the runners-up slot.

Humberston BW scored 110 for nine from 20 overs as Concarr returned the staggering figures of 5-0-32-6.

Skipper Abe led the chase with 27 before he became one of three wickets for Smith.

Old Clee's total of 90 was a losing one on the night, but turned out to be just enough to secure promotion thanks to them having a slightly better run rate in the 2 games between the two sides.

At the other end of the table, Rovers secured Division Three cricket for another year by beating Woodlands and in the process condemning the Immingham side to their first ever relegation.

Rovers batted first and although T Humphrey (2/16) made early inroads, Greaves (30) and Plaskitt (39) propelled them to 129 for five from 20 overs.

Woodlands' reply started briskly, but some run outs quickly followed as the required rate crept up and Plaskitt with 3/14 wrapped up the tail as Woodlands finished on 89 all out.

Clee academy 1st overcame Hendry Electrical at Cleethorpes by six wickets. Hendry made 112 for seven (Battersby 58no) as the Youngsters replied with 115 for four (N Would 55no)

In Division Four, Westlands held on to third place in Division Four with a narrow victory over Novartis 1sts.

Westlands made a good start through openers Ken Meech (17) and S Ford (32) until both batsmen were dismissed by Frith (4-0-25-2).

Change bowler Davidson bowled a tidy spell of 4-0-13-2, while Cowie (3-0-25-2) picked up the wickets of M Keal (12) and Tommy Watson (10) as Westlands closed their 16-over innings on 110 for six.

Novartis lost their first wicket when Mawer fell on 10. Their chase was led by fellow-opener Brown, who made 40 before being caught off L Ford (4-0-27-2).

Meech (4-0-17-4) bowled a fine spell at the end, and claimed the wickets of Harris (19) and Cowie (14), as Novartis were held to 106 for nine – just four behind Westlands.

Tetney finished their campaign with a five-wicket victory over runners-up Holton-le-Clay Badgers.

Paul Shawcross produced a fine opening spell of 4-0-19-4 for Tetney, and included the dismissal of Steve Wright (17) amongst his victims. J Clarke top-scored for the Badgers, with 24, before he was caught off Scott Hilton (4-1-20-2), who also accounted for K Hagerup (10). Andy Waterhouse contributed 13 not out, as HLC Badgers closed on 86 for seven.

Andy Legget (19) and Shawcross (24) gave Tetney a good start but once they were dismissed by M Thompson (4-0-14-1) and Dannat (4-0-21-2) respectively their chase stalled for a time, Antony George got the home side back on track with 16 not out, and with assistance from B Pedersen (eight) and M Fisher (four not out) Tetney reached their target with five balls to spare.

Champions Punjab Lions gained a victory over North Thoresby, who went to the wrong ground, while Coach House were unable to field a side against Crows Nest 1sts.

In Division Five, Stallingborough played host to Division Five champions Crystal Millennium and took part in a tremendous end of season game.

Millennium lost their first wicket when Mike Binns was caught off Andy Howard (5-0-30-3) for 26. Ross Hardy went on to dominate the rest of the innings, his knock of 76 included nine fours and four sixes before he eventually fell to John Smith's second catch. Andy Grainger remained unbeaten on 34 as Crystal Millennium finished on 160 for four after 20 overs.

Stallingborough's openers maintained the required run rate throughout their chase. Their partnership was finally broken when Dave Wesley, whose 72 included eight fours and one six, was caught off Binns (4.5-0-28-1).

Fellow opener Ian Rudland struck six fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 61 as Trevor Crofts (four not out) guided Stallingborough home to a nine-wicket victory in the impending dark with seven balls left.

In the clash between the two relegated clubs, Norfolk Line batted first when they visited CSSC Emplex at Barretts.

Craig Davy (2-0-8-1) picked up the first wicket, while the visitors lost their second when Chris Harrison took an excellent catch on the boundary.

Opener Steve Griffiths and N Arundel then forged a good third-wicket partnership before Griffiths (43) was bowled by Connor Rushby (2-0-11-1). Arundel (47 not out) and D Hilldrith (19 not out) maintained the tempo as Norfolk Line reached 122 for three after 16 overs.

CSSC Emplex also lost early wickets in their reply to Hilldrith (4-0-16-2) but solid batting from Jeff Hutchinson (29), Harrison (28) and Karl Sykes (17) helped the home side's total build. Tight bowling, particularly from Creer (2-0-5-2), limited CSSC Emplex to 90 for seven to give Norfolk line a 32-run victory.

Runners-up Grainthorpe defeated Keelby by 39 runs to complete a fine campaign,

Keelby's John Indian (5-0-32-3) removed the visitors leading scorer Jonathan Treasure (42) and also picked op the wickets of Mike Palmer (10) and Neil Pridgeon (22).

Daley Marsh also made 22 before he was bowled by Paul Fytche (3-0-8-1) as Grainthorpe closed on 118 for four.

Richard Boxall produced a good performance behind the stumps for Grainthorpe as his two stumpings accounted for D Bevis (14) and M Hall (22), with the latter falling to Marsh (3-0-11-2). A Travis remained unbeaten on 20 as Keelby were held to 79 for seven.

In Division Seven, Crows Nest 2nds won the Division Seven championship when they defeated Post Office Milan 2nds by 48 runs.

Paul Wright and Tom Brierley gave the Crows' a good start, putting on 32 for the first wicket before Wright (15) was bowled by Chris Sylvester (4-0-21-2).

Brierley was caught off Daniel Stephenson (4-0-21-2) for 32 after pushing the score up to 73 in a good third-wicket stand with Andy Toombs (19).

Reg Giles (15) plundered some late runs before falling to the final ball of the 16th over, with the Crows Nest total on 95 for six.

PO Milan made a steady start, although they struggled to get Dave McMullen (3-0-8-0) away.

The visitors lost their first wicket for 23 in the eighth over when Toombs bowled Gary Herrett for 12 and in the same over also dismissed Nathan Stannard for 13.

A procession of wickets then followed as Toombs and Giles took over. Toombs finished with excellent figures of 4-1-13-6, while Giles took three for nine from his four overs before the retuniLag opening bowler Brierley (3.2-0-14-1) picked up the final wicket when Richard Hopkins held on to a skier.

PO Milan were dismissed for 47 in the 15th over to give Crows Nest a well-deserved title.

Emplex crowned cup kings after great win

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:30:00 GMT

EMPLEX completed a record fourth win of the John Pettit Grimsby and District Midweek League's knock-out cup, beating Holton-le-Clay who were also in contention for the honour.

The eight-wicket victory over their Division One rivals was achieved with three overs to spare, and added to Ibwest Cup triumphs in 2002, 2005 and 2008.

With the game reduced to 16 overs due to overcast conditions, Emplex skipper Marcus Meadows won the toss and put Holton in to bat, and the villagers went into self-destruct mode with four run-outs accounting for the top six.

Only Jason New and Pete Briggs built up scores that could start to influence the game, but their eventual losses – for 22 and 35 respectively, both at the hands of Dale Coy – slowed the march and the side just failed to make the psychologically important three figure score, closing on 99 for seven. Ishan Mutaliph's glovework and tight fielding aided the Emplex cause.

With the light fading the holders wasted no time with the bat, with Nuwan Shiroman and Coy starting strongly.

Shiroman's dismissal not only brought a smile to the face of the Holton-le-Clay team, as even the Sri Lankan managed to see the funny side of his misfortune. Top edging a Paul Jackson delivery, the ball hit his chest as he turned, deflecting the ball back down onto his wickets.

It was quickly followed by a good catch at backward square leg by Dale Chambers off Mick Picking, which saw number three Scott removed without troubling the scorers.

Any optimism generated by the second breakthrough quickly evaporated as Mutaliph combined well with Coy to put the runs on the board and surpass the Holton total with the final ball of the 13th over. With two wickets and an unbeaten 40, Coy was umpire George Smith's man of the match.

The presentation following the 26th final was conducted by League chairman Colin Kennedy, with Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Cllr John Colebrook and Mayoress Pat Colebrook presenting the individual medals.

James Ibbotson, managing director of Ibwest Securities, presented the Ibwest Cup to Emplex captain Marcus Meadows, a poignant moment having earlier that day laid his father Nigel, chairman of the company and ardent supporter of the competition over the past seven years, to rest.

A minute's silence in memory of the popular businessman was immaculately observed before the game.

Emplex's fourth win places them ahead of Blossom Way Old Boys, Cleethorpes and Holton-le-Clay, as well as the now defunct Crusaders, who all have three cup final victories to their names.

The League would like to thank all involved at Cleethorpes CC for hosting the final, and Grimsby Town CC for their flexible handling of the semi-finals.

Deadly Dave does the business

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:30:00 GMT

BLOSSOM Way Old Boys, who last week clinched the John Petitts Midweek Cricket League Division One championship, suffered a rare defeat in week 13 of the season.

Old Winghams stalwart Dave Topliss had a night to remember as he had a hand in the first seven BWOB wickets to fall, grabbing five for 12 before bagging two superb catches.

Only a late rally from skipper Fanthorpe (23) eased their blushes and they were all out for 72.

Topliss then produced with the bat and top scored with 29, before becoming one of J Farrrow's three victims for 15 runs. His efforts were eventually in vain as Winghams clinched a four-wicket win in the last over.

That result kept Winghams in the hunt for the runners-up spot along with Western OB and Springfield Ibwest, who both recorded victories.

Springfield hold a one-point advantage over their rivals which was maintained by way of a 31-run win over Waltham Millers.

The victory was set up by J Osmond (71no) and Hollamby (46no) who helped their team to 140-2 from their 16 overs.

Rob Griffin (44no) and Sands (30no) led the reply, but they eventually ran out of overs still well adrift.

Western OB were made to work hard for their victory over Holton-le-Clay, eventually squeaking home by four runs.

K Richardson steadied the Old Boys' ship after losing both openers cheaply and scored 55 in a total of 113 for six.

Opener New (56) dominated the HLC chase, but he couldn't quite steer his side home as they closed on 109 for two.

Emplex 86 for two (Scott 38) easily chased down inside 11 overs Barton Windows' target of 85 for four (Baty 46).

However, Emplex must still better HLC's result on the last evening of the season to stay up in Division One as HLC have the better record in this season's games between the two.

Immingham Blossom Way wrapped up Division Two without having to bowl a ball.

Nearest challengers Catholic Sports couldn't raise a side and so conceded the top of the table clash.

Phoenix took over in second place with a six-run victory over PO Milan 1.

Jafri yet again top-scored for the doctors with 58 as his side set 134 for four in 16 overs.

J Parker dominated the run chase and carried his bat for 80no in what by now were dreadful conditions, but to no avail, as Phoenix clung on.

Willy's Cleethorpes secured their own Division Two status and at the same time condemned Bradley OB to Division Three next year with a 24-run victory.

Bradley OB asked Willy's to bat in this 16-over game.

Butterfield (14) and Sunley (34) put on 28 for the opening wicket and got Willy's off to a solid start.

However, the loss of a couple of quick wickets left Cowlam (14) and Wood (14 no) to add some late runs to leave Willy's on 97 for six after the 16 overs.

Bradley's reply got off to a slow start with Foster (4-1-4-2) and Sunley (4-1-10-0) restricting the total to just 14 after the first eight overs.

Pearson (38) and Gilby (22 not out) tried to improve things for Bradley once the change bowlers came on, but found the asking rate too much.

Also ensuring they avoid the dreaded drop were Wilkin Chapman BWT, who beat already relegated Cuxwold.

The villagers batted first and made 85 for six from 20 overs with Norton (24) and Rachford (24no) top-scoring.

George Carlton dominated the reply with 48 as the victory was brought up in the 13th over.

No Division Three games were completed due to the weather, so the top of the table is still wide open with any of the leading four teams still capable of going up.

Old Clee and One Medical 1sts have the advantage and their fate in their own hands as a win for either will secure promotion.

However, they play fourth-placed Humberston BW and third placed Harvest Moon respectively, so defeats could mean promotion being settled by run rate this year.

All the games in Divisions Four, Five and Six were either rained off or teams have not sent in score sheets.

In Division Seven Post Office Milan 2nds had a good week. First, they came out on top in a previously re-arranged game with fellow title-contenders Crows Nest 2nds, then when most matches were being rained off Whitgift conceded them their game on Thursday as they could not field a side.

In the game at Bradley, PO Milan opener Gary Herrett gave his side a good start, scoring 30 before he was caught off Reg Giles (4-0-17-1).

Nathan Stannard (13) and Andy Currie (16) maintained the momentum until they were both dismissed by Andy Toombs (4-0-19-2), and PO Milan closed their 16-over innings on 77 for three.

Crows Nest lost an early wicket in their reply when Currie (4-0-14-1) struck.

They soon recovered, however, through the second-wicket pairing of Paul Wright and Toombs and their stand appeared to be taking them to victory.

Change bowler Paul Cape-Melbourne (4-0-21-2) had other ideas and dismissed both batsmen; Wright scoring 28 and Toombs 25, who fell to a decisive catch by Chris Bontoft.

Crows entered the final over needing seven to win, with the Posties skipper Ian Bontoft (1-0-1-2) deciding to bring himself on for his only over and it proved to be a sagacious move as he dismissed Aaron Wright (nine) and Giles (six), as Crows Nest were stranded three behind on 74 for five.

The two sides meet again tonight at Bradley in a title decider.

Old Calathumpians retained the Grimsby and District Saturday League Cup when they defeated Harvest Moon by seven runs in a hard-fought final at Holton-le-Clay CC.

Batting first on a damp pitch, Old Calathumpians slipped to 18 for three, with Gavin Turner (5-0-27-3) taking all three wickets beginning with opener Chris Waters who was caught by Neil Mapley for 11.

The cup holders needed a period of consolidation and it came in a fourth-wicket stand of 69 between Jamie Pearson and Trevor Holmes. Their partnership coming to an end when Pearson was bowled for a good 35 by Phil Hutchinson.

Two more wickets fell to Hutchinson (5-0-16-3), who then took a fine catch on the mid-wicket boundary to end a vital late knock from Barry Hanslip (12).

After holding the innings together, Holmes finished unbeaten on 44 as Old Calathumpians closed their 25-over innings on 122 for seven.

Harvest Moon struggled in the early stages of their reply as the new-ball partnership of Barry Whittleton (5-0-11-2) and Andy Holness (5-1-10-0) put the shackles on.

After a circumspect start to his innings, Hutchinson began to open his shoulders and with some superb hitting had his opponents feeling nervous.

Turner gave Hutchinson some useful support, scoring 11 before he was bowled by Hanslip. The introduction into the attack of Alan Tyler by skipper Hanslip proved to be a judicious decision as he quickly bowled Hutchinson, whose knock of 66 included five fours and five sixes and left his side within 20 of victory

Tyler (3-0-7-3) then bowled Dan Baker for 10, and wickets fell in a hurry as Hanslip (4.2-0-23-3) mopped up the tail with Moon being bowled out for 115 in the final over.

For his fine all-round game Phil Hutchinson won the man of the match award before Old Calathumpians skipper Barry Hanslip lifted the trophy.

Holton close on record

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:30:00 GMT

HOLTON-LE-CLAY remain on course for a record fourth Ibwest Cup triumph after beating Old Winghams in the first semi-final.

The villagers overcame the 110 for eight target set with nine wickets and more than two overs in hand.

Jason New (50 not out) and Tony Wood (54 not out) guided them home after the early loss of Dale Chambers for two.

New survived when caught off a no ball on zero, but he didn't offer another chance to march on at a decent rate.

Earlier Mick Picking (5-0-38-3) and Barry Whittleton (5-0-25-2) had ensured Winghams were unable to forge a real partnership, although Graeme Peart (26), Matt Cocks (23) and Graham Thompson (31) all contributed to a fair score.