Grimsby Town Knockout: Louth skipper Carrington puts cup win down to teamwork

Having disposed of cup holders Lincolnshire Cavaliers in the semi-finals, Louth beat the hosts Grimsby by five wickets in last week’s final to win the illustrious T20 competition.

Last year’s Knockout even featured guest appearances by England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow and Australian limited overs international Glenn Maxwell.

“It’s a great tournament to be involved in, bringing the best sides and players together for some competitive cricket in front of big crowds,” said Carrington.

“We have played well throughout the competition and it has served us well in getting players into form.

“Tonight has typified what we are about with all players contributing and supporting each other with a great team ethic.”

In front of a 450-strong crowd, Grimsby won the toss and batted first under heavy skies against an opening attack of Carrington and young Australian Keaton Critchell.

They made use of the conditions, gaining swing and seam movement to restrict the runs.

Carrington struck in the fourth over, clean bowling the Grimsby captain Neal Snell and then having the dangerous Steve Crossley trapped lbw first ball.

Critchell bowled well and soon got in on the action with two wickets, and by the end of the six-over powerplay, Grimsby were 41-4.

Louth then turned to spinners Nic Keast and Norman Brackley who had performed well in the semi-finals.

Bowling with great control and accuracy brought regular wickets with Brackley (4 for 25) reducing Grimsby to 61-6 off 11 overs.

Grimsby’s guest West Indian all-rounder Ray Jordan took the fight to the spinners with three sixes in the 12th over, prompting Carrington to return to seam.

Tom Corden bowled a miserly over, offering just one run from the bat, before Brackley took the final wicket, stumped by Richard Bell. Grimsby were all out for 10, leaving Jordan stranded on 38 from 27 balls.

Louth lost their first wicket in the second over, but Seb Darke and Critchell took the score to 37 before Darke was caught by Jordan off Tice.

Man-of-the-match Brackley joined Critchell and by the sixth over Louth had reached 52.

When Laurence Scott uncharacteristically smashed a huge six over the scoreboard, Louth had reached 83 and looked comfortable in chasing down the small total.

Jordan bowled Brackley for 25 in the 13th over, but Tom Corden won the game with a huge six over square leg.

“It’s been great to have so many spectators making the trip from Louth and their support was greatly appreciated by the lads,” Carrington added.

“I’d like to thank Grimsby for organising such a great competition and for our invite, and, of course, our team sponsor Kenwick Park.”

Grimsby: 108.

Bowling: K. Critchell 4-0-21-2; A. Carrington 3-0-22-2; N. Keast 3-0-34-1; N. Brackley 3.4-0-26-4; T. Corden 1-0-1-0.

Louth: J. Epton 5, S. Darke 17, K. Critchell 18, N. Brackley 25, L. Scott 18, T. Corden 14*, N. Keast 0*, Extras 15. Total: 112-5.