Century for Briggs as Morecambe CC dominate Penrith

Morecambe arrived at Penrith looking to get back to back victories, away from home after last week’s thrilling win versus Fylde. 

Play didn’t get underway until 13:40 due to rain which meant it was a 40 over game. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Morecambe made a shaky start being 20-2 off 6 overs as opener Lewis Smith and overseas David Rhoda were both caught and departing for single figures.

The wickets didn’t prevent Luke Pearson hitting Hansford for 18 off the very next over. At the other end was the inform destructive batter, Alex Briggs, who swept Penrith overseas Donovan Zealand for 6 off the bowlers first ball and the big shots kept on coming as 28 came off the 9th over.

The boundaries continued as Morecambe brought up their 100 off just 12 overs, with Alex Briggs making yet another 50 this time in just 21 balls. Luke Pearson also brought up his first 50 of the season, 5 overs later as the score passed 150 with Morecambe on track for a huge score, with 23 overs still remaining.

At drinks, Morecambe were on 170-2 and Alex Briggs was on 99. The first ball after drinks Briggs was hit on the pads which sent Penrith players into appeal but was given not out to Briggs’ relief. However, the very next ball a short ball was pulled away to fine leg for 4, sending Briggs into delight as he brought up his maiden century off just 47 balls in remarkable fashion.

He added a further 25 runs before being stumped, which brought an end to an unbelievable display of hitting which included 13 6s for his 128 off only 61 balls and a superb 182 run partnership between both Briggs and Pearson. Ashton Ward made a quick fire 24 before being bowled and Pearson was run out in the same over for a well made 59.

Creech and Dinesh rotated the strike but Dinesh was bowled on the 30 over mark as the score reached 250. The last 5 wickets though fell for just 14 runs as Morecambe were bowled out for 264 from 33.3 overs. James Farmer (4-59) and Samuel Hall (4-26) the pick of the Penrith bowlers. 

It was going to be a mammoth run chase as the required run rate started at 6.6 for the home side and it didn’t start well as Littleton was trapped LBW off the bowling of Rhoda. A steady partnership of 40 between wicketkeeper Craig and captain Burns but both were out in the space of 5 overs with Burns being bowled by Rhoda and Craig excellently caught in the deep by Jamie Holmes.

Most of Penrith’s slim hopes relied on overseas Donovan Zealand but he was caught in the very next over for 5, as the score was 60-4 off 16 overs. Penrith were then 84-4 but collapsed in dramatic style to 88-9. Lewis Smith picking up 3 wickets and David Rhoda was the standout of the Morecambe bowlers as he took his first 5fer for Morecambe CC. The victory was rounded off 36 runs later, Penrith 124 all out with Michael Bland getting the final wicket. 

The win sends Morecambe to 2nd in the table just 7 points behind leaders Preston. Next Saturday it’s an early top of the table clash between Morecambe and leaders Preston at Woodhill Lane. Also, on the Sunday, Morecambe will travel to play Longridge 2nd XI in the Meyler Cup Quarter Final.