Grimsby Town CC knocked off the top by reigning champions

GRIMSBY Town crashed to a 67-run defeat against champions Haxey at Augusta Street and were knocked top spot in the process.

Captain Jim Morgan won the toss and in overcast conditions invited the visitors to bat – seamer Lee Charlton was given the new ball and used it impressively.

Harry Clewett supported him well as Grimsby managed to reduce Haxey to 72 for three in the 21st over – Tom Wraith made 38.

However, he was disappointed to hit a first delivery from Connor Hawkins straight to Ross Carnelley at mid-wicket.

Then followed the day's most impressive partnership as Graeme Attenborough and Ollie Tonks put on 107 for the fourth wicket in 21 overs.

Haxey looked in a strong position at 179 for three, and seemed destined to set a score of 250 – but Town bowled well in the final ten overs to restrict them to 208 for eight.

The visitors' cause was not helped when Tonks was run out after a bit of quick-thinking by wicket-keeper Steve Crossley.

Tonks, who has just returned from Durham University, made 48 from 61 balls and Attenborough – the former Doncaster Town player – top scored with 59.

Charlton, pictured right, returned to trap him lbw and finished with three for 41 from his 15 overs.

The Haxey innings then fell into decline as Clewett turned the screw, taking three for 39 from 12 overs.

Grimsby's reply began poorly as the top order failed to fire.

Town collapsed to 78 for six in the 27th over, as Haxey's opening bowlers Josh Savage and Paul Bell bowled well, finding a good line and length.

The hosts' shot selection left a lot to be desired – skipper Morgan (12) setting the tone as he tried to hit Bell and was bowled.

Crossley battled hard and made 35 from 74 balls, and was looking to turn the game around with Clewett, until a misjudged single saw the former Cleethorpes man run out for 13.

Crossley departed soon after; caught and bowled to Bell's final delivery as the seamer finished with four for 62 – South African Savage took two for 38.

Left hander Hawkins, batting at number eight, showed plenty of grit and determination as he finished undefeated on 37 from 51 balls.

Attenborough then rounded off a good all-round display by taking three for ten with his left-arm spin removing most of the tail-enders.

Town were all out for 141 after 43 overs, completing a disappointing batting display.