Grimsby sail on at the top of the table

OPENING batsman Andy Barlow hit 132 from only 115 balls, as league leaders Grimsby Town heavily defeated second in the table Lindum by 187 runs.

Barlow and Hayden Tice (85) put on a massive first wicket partnership of 220 runs in only 34 overs.

Grimsby completely dominated as they piled up 322 for 6 from their 50 overs, before bowling out the home side for 135.

Lindum 2nds won the toss and invited Town to bat first but were soon made to regret this decision.

Their performance with the ball and in the field was very poor. They dropped five catches and misfielded on numerous occasions.

Left hander Barlow likes to hit the ball from the off and he was quick to punish any bowlers who offered him width outside the off stump or dropped short.

He struck 19 fours and two sixes. His first six was a great way to bring up his century, as he hit left arm spinner Zak Shelbourne straight back over his head to complete an entertaining 96-ball century.

Barlow’s opening partner Hayden Tice played the supporting role well, as he reached his half century from 73 balls, but his final 21 balls saw him advance to 85 with some stylish shots. He hit 11 fours and for him, a rare six.

Tice looked likely to complete his maiden century but he fell 15 short, when he pulled a ball from Matt Poole to deep square leg, where Osama Rabbani took the catch.

Grimsby’s middle order kept the momentum going once the openers had departed and 99 runs were added in the final 15 overs.

Toby Blake, 17, who scored a century for the Club’s Development Team last weekend, made an undefeated 34 from 39 balls.

Matt Poole was the sixth bowler tried by Lindum and their most successful, as he finished with 5 for 63 from his 10 overs.

Grimsby’s opening bowlers have been in fine form this season and Lindum were reduced to 75 for 7 in only the 18th over.

Hayden Tice bowled David Spokes with a good delivery for one and Rob Brice had Charlie Jubbs well caught, low down at slip, by Harrison Tice.

The best catch of the day, though, was the one which removed Lindum’s number three Tom Marshall. Marshall was looking in good form as he made his way to 19, before Harrison Tice pulled off a stunning one handed diving catch to give Brice another wicket.

Brice claimed a sharp caught and bowled, in his follow through, to remove Rabbani and finished with 4 for 38 from his 10 overs.

Hayden Tice picked up 3 for 46 and Rory Ronaldson cleaned up the tail to take 3 for 14.

All-rounder Dan Taylor provided some early resistance for Lindum, scoring 39 and young left hander Joe Thompson played some classy shots, as he made an undefeated 51.

This, though, was a very one sided game, as Grimsby continued their impressive start to the season.