Grimsby Telegraph sub-editor and wicketkeeper Dave Tatler added a new chapter to the paper’s “greatest sporting moments” with a superb, gravity-defying, one-handed catch in the now-legendary cricket challenge match with arch-rivals Scunthorpe.

The cricketers in both offices of these sister-papers all look forward to the annual July clash – as well as the free booze-up and buffet afterwards – and this year’s meeting at Brigg Recreation Ground was even more anticipated due to the disappointment of last year’s match being rained-off.

This year also saw the final appearance of Grimsby editor Peter Moore, who retires at the end of the month, and he weighed-in with six runs and a wicket to close his account.

Both teams faced 14 eight-ball overs and Grimsby batted first, scoring 121 for the loss of four wickets.

Batsmen must retire when they reach 25 runs. Reporter Tim Jays, sports reporter Ian Barnsley and recruitment ad rep Kevin Laister’s maximums helped Grimsby along, as did a 20 from reporter Michael Cavanagh.

But the highlight of the Grimsby innings was watching sports editor Geoff Ford score the easiest of singles to avoid a repeat of his duck two years ago. Unfortunately, the second ball he faced sent his stumps flying. His was one of two wickets from Scunthorpe reporter Simon Weedy.

Scunthorpe chased Grimsby’s total with a valiant effort, scoring 91, also for the loss of four wickets. One of these was snaffled by wicket-keeper Tatler – organiser of the match with Scunthorpe’s production editor Nigel Fisher – who held his terrific catch behind the stumps to dismiss the unlucky Scunthorpe news editor Richard Woodward.

This was one of two wickets for last-minute recruit – Grimsby-based Scunthorpe reporter Paul Savage.

Scunthorpe’s main scorers were reporter John Spittlehouse (26) local government reporter Matthew Finch (20) and sub-editor John Ratcliffe (18).

So, the spoils went to Grimsby, but there was to be some consolation for Scunthorpe as Matthew Finch won the game of killer on the pool table at Brigg’s Corn Exchange pub as the heroic tales of the last three hours were shared over a pint (or gallon).

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