Grimston mark Saturday return with a win

Grimston Cricket Club made their return to Saturday Cricket after a 14-year absence against Downham Stow 4ths.Predicting that the pitch would suit batting conditions later in the day, captain Jamie Frost won the toss and elected to field first, with the first ball of Grimston’s return being a “dot” from the skipper himself.Joe Allen (27) and Gary Hooker (29) batted well for Downham Stow and both put in a strong showing.The pick of the bowling contributions came from Liam Woodcock with three wickets and an economy of 1.83.Downham Stow were all out for 134 in 43.5 overs. As Grimston’s opening batters took to the field, predictions for an improving pitch looked accurate with the deck firming up and reducing swing through the air.However, these conditions were not enough to prevent an early collapse with Grimston slumping to 11 for 4. With the odds so heavily stacked against them, a miracle was required, and up stepped Mike Mallett (51 not out) and James Allitt (47 not out) to deliver, with heroic performances for the fledgling Saturday side.Grimston chased down the target in the 42nd over, finishing on 138 for 4. Captain Frost was full of praise for his batters, saying: “Mike saw the tough spell through like a seasoned pro and was joined by James on debut for a wonderful unbeaten 125 partnership to see us home.”The game was played in great spirit and it was a pleasure to host the opposition.” Grimston CC’s Sunday Challenge Cup started with a win against an underpowered Narborough CC line-up.Fielding several youth players and with some players making their debut, Narborough were unable to contain Grimston’s bowling attack, with three wickets for Tom Wallace and Harry Ward each. Mark Pickering also contributed with three outstanding catches in the slips.Grimston U13s were in action next, away to North Runcton CC. Having won the toss and elected to bat, North Runcton opener H. Waite put in an impressive performance with 31 runs before retiring. I. Grief took the only catch of the match from the bowling of L. Allitt as North Runcton scored 98/4.Grimston’s batting attack included impressive scores from C. Cooper (19 not out) and J. Wright (10) to help Grimston over the line to a total of 51 runs.This is a huge improvement on previous performances and promising signs ahead of their second season of U13 cricket.Finally, Tuesday saw Grimston Ladies make their league debut away to Bircham.Captain C. Nichols won the toss and opted to field first, Grimston started strongly with M. Shackloth and C. Nichols combining to take two wickets in the first four overs.However, Bircham’s class soon began to tell as they steadily built a score in the face of some quality bowling. At the end of their innings, Bircham had set a target of 269 runs to win.M. Shackcloth and G. White opened the batting for Grimston combining well and making quick inroads into the Bircham total.The standout batter was M. Lambert with 13 runs, with B. Barnes also contributing with Nine runs.The game went down to the final ball, with the scores tied and the fans on the edge of their seat; a superb delivery was enough to secure the draw for Bircham and Grimston picked up their first league points.Ladies training is on Mondays at 6.30pm and youth training is on Wednesdays at 5pm.