15/06/2026
Grimoldby & District CC vs Clee Town Laportes – Match Report
Grimoldby & District CC edged out Clee Town Laportes in a thrilling encounter that went right down to the penultimate ball, leaving players and spectators alike on the edge of their seats throughout.
After losing the toss, the home team were asked to field first and made an excellent start with the ball. The opening bowlers kept the scoring tightly restricted and quickly put the hosts under pressure. An early breakthrough from birthday boy Razza, combined with a sharp run out from the skipper , had Grim firmly on top in the opening exchanges.
Clee Town responded well in the middle overs as a crucial partnership began to develop. Their skipper Whiteman, led from the front with an impressive unbeaten 72, guiding his side through the innings and helping them post a competitive total of 156 from their 40 overs.
The wickets were shared around for Grimoldby, with Taff claiming 2 wickets, while Maidment and Hayward picked up one apiece. Big thanks to Wellsy for stepping into the fray as a replacement fielder for JT.
Chasing 157 for victory, Grimoldby opted for a different batting line-up and got off to a positive start thanks to their openers. After the loss of an early wicket, Taff (14) and Forsyth (32) put together a valuable partnership that appeared to put the chase firmly under control.
However, cricket is never that simple. A flurry of wickets suddenly swung the momentum back towards Clee, and with the required runs mounting and overs disappearing, the game was finely poised.
Razza then produced a crucial innings of 52, combining patience with sensible stroke play to keep Grimoldby in the hunt. With the match heading towards a dramatic conclusion, the responsibility fell to bad back Hayward (26) and Melson (18) to steer the side home.
As the tension grew with every ball, the game became a genuine nail-biter. Special mention must go to Thorndike, who bravely came to the crease with only one fully functioning arm and showed tremendous determination, even diving over the line to keep the innings alive at a critical stage.
The defining performance of the day came from Melson, who stepped in at the 11th hour, following a late withdrawal.
Showing great composure under pressure, he took the attack to the Clee bowlers and, with Grim needing runs in the closing moments, struck a boundary from the penultimate ball of the match to seal a memorable victory for the Reapers.
A fantastic game of cricket played in great spirit, and huge thanks to Clee Town Laportes for a superb contest that could genuinely have gone either way.
Thank you to our Match ball sponsor for the season M White Electrical Ltd.
Our 2XI welcomed MR to the lane & fell short.
Thank you to our player sponsors 2020 Community Sport C.I.C Viking’s Retreat graphicgene.co.uk
