GRIMSBY TOWN KNOCK OUT PREVIEW BY ANN BOULTON

A week later than normal because of Jubilee celebrations, the Grimsby Town Knock Out is set for a showpiece opening match.

Louth take on Cleethorpes on Monday, June 11 to launch to 76^th competition and also introduce Great Coates Motors Ltd/Grimsby Van Centre as the new main sponsor at Augusta Street.

Louth, who are captained by former Cleethorpes bowler Andy Carrington, are currently mid-table in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League while Cleethorpes occupy much the same position in the Yorkshire ECB Premier League but have a more illustrious history in the knock out competition, having won the trophy on several occasions.

Louth come to Augusta Street fresh from reaching the semi-finals of the T20 Winkworth Cup where they lost with just one ball to spare while Cleethorpes play in a similar competition in the Yorkshire League the day before the knock-out.

Matches start at 6.15pm and there is ample parking for spectators around the ground.  Drinks and food are also available.

Knock Out Draw

June 11   Louth v Cleethorpes

June 18   Nettleham v Grimsby

June 25   Lincs Cavaliers v Messingham

July 2      Fenner v Caistor

July 7      First semi-final – winners of games one and two

July 14    Second semi-final – winners of games three and four

July 21    Final

Should international duties permit, England star Arran Brindle is set to play in the opening match of the Grimsby Town Knock Out when Louth take on Cleethorpes on Monday.

Brindle is in sparkling batting form -  hitting 84 to help her team to victory over Hartsholme last week in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League - and has been included in the Louth squad which is captained by former Cleethorpes player Andy Carrington.

Jason Collinson, who is enjoying an excellent season so far, will join forces with Brindle in the batting line-up while Carrington, Stewart West and Tom Corden will lead the bowling and Matt Crowther, the Premier League’s top wicketkeeper in 2011 will be behind the stumps.

Monday night will give Cleethorpes’ new signing Graham Hume his first outing in knock out format in England, the New Zealander having missed out on the first round ties of the Yorkshire League T20 competition which excludes overseas players.

James and Alex Osmond are expected to spearhead the Cleethorpes squad with Bill Kirby adding his wealth of experience.

The match, which is 16 eight-ball overs with a maximum four overs per bowler, begins at 6.15pm and spectators are welcome.

Louth squad:  Andy Carrington, Arran Brindle, Matt Crowther, Jason Collinson, Stuart Barker, Graham West, Stewart West, Zain Siddique, Matt Hamilton, Tom Corden, Mark Roberts.