By Match report: Grimsby Town secure victory over Scunthorpe Town
Grimsby Town Cricket Club produced their best performance of the season when they heavily defeated Scunthorpe Town by eight wickets at Augusta Street.
Grimsby’s opening bowler Dan Cliffe was in devastating form, as he took five for 23 in his 10 overs, with three maidens. He pitched the ball up, full and straight and dismissed four of Scunthorpe’s top five batsmen, including three LBW.
Hayden Tice removed the dangerous Tom Giles for two when he looked to hit the ball through mid-wicket and was another LBW victim.
Tice was replaced by Rory Ronaldson and he provided valuable support to Cliffe, as he bowled with impressive control, taking three for 20 from his nine overs.
Scunthorpe’s overseas player Izan Ul Shaikh, from Melbourne Australia, hit three stylish boundaries before he attempted to leave a delivery from Cliffe that nipped back to hit his off stump.
Wicketkeeper Steve Crossley helped Ronaldson by taking two sharp catches stood up. Dennis Buirman took a well-judged catch and Rob Brice ran last man Ben Crew out for one with a sharp piece of fielding in his follow-through.
Savraj Nijjar offered some resistance, as he made an undefeated 22 from 37 balls before he ran out of partners. Scunthorpe were 79 all out in the 25th over.
The umpires decided to continue the game rather than take an early tea.
Scunthorpe claimed two wickets in the first three overs to leave Grimsby six for two. Giles was the successful bowler, dismissing Cliffe and Kasun Ekanayake.
Opening batsman Toby Blake brought some calm to proceedings, as he showed a solid technique and set his stall out to bat through.
Blake was joined by left-hander Andy Barlow, who came in at four and scored 48 not out from 61 balls. On the back of making a century in midweek, Barlow looked in good touch when he struck six boundaries and attacked Scunthorpe’s change bowlers with relish.
Barlow and Blake added an undefeated 76 for the third wicket in 17 overs. Blake finished on 16 not out from 49 balls and Town reached their target in just 20 overs.
Grimsby’s impressive display saw them claim a maximum 20 points and move up to sixth in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.
Report by David Evans
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