Cricket: Morecambe break Northern Premier League batting record in Carnforth victory

Morecambe CC set a new record for the highest ever score in the Northern Premier League as they defeated Carnforth on Bank Holiday Monday.

Siddarth Ahhuja (106) and George Battersby (101) hit destructive centuries as Morecambe scored 382-6 from 50 overs, beating the previous record set by Kendal of 356 last season. 

Morecambe won the toss and elected to bat first at Lodge Quarry and the new opening pair of Lewis Smith and Andy Creech made a lightning start as the 50 came up inside eight overs.

Creech (pictured below) made 30, before being run out as a direct hit by Dylan Conroy made the breakthrough. Smith struck regular boundaries as he brought up his first half century of the season. 

At drinks, the visitors were set nicely at 137-1 but two balls after the break, Pearson (24) was out LBW by James Park Johnson.

Lewis Smith was dismissed the same way by James Parkinson, three overs later for a run a ball 79. 

Ahhuja and Battersby took full advantage of the short side boundary as 29 came from the 33rd and 34th over. Which forced a bowling change for the home side. Freddie Whatmuff replaced Park Johnson and Battersby put on a batting masterclass striking 32 from the over, which included four huge sixes.

Below: Carnforth's Freddie Whatmuff:

Teenager Battersby was approaching his century as Morecambe went past 300 and he didn’t have to wait long as in fitting style, the century was reached with a six.

The fireworks were ended, very next ball as a well-judged catch by Parkinson brought the end of Battersby’s innings of 101 from 56 balls.

Ahhuja took a liking to the pace of Park Johnson as 24 came from the 46th over and very next over brought up a magnificent 56 ball century with a four. Consecutive fours took the overseas star to 106 but Alfie Hill concluded his innings next ball.

Dixon and Haider contributed with cameos from the last three overs as Morecambe ended on a mammoth 382-6, breaking the record for the most runs scored in a Northern Premier League innings. 

Below: Alfie Hill

Harry Wiles and Ryan Nelson began the pursuit for a record chase, and it took until the 20th over for the first wicket as Wiles was bowled for 35 by Lloyd Smith.

Carnforth at drinks were only nine runs adrift at the same stage but just like in Morecambe’s innings, a wicket fell straight after the break, Nelson trapped LBW by Joe Bradshaw to give him his first wicket of the season.

As the run rate was increasing, the hosts had to take risks and Bradshaw had two as Park Johnson chipped shot went straight to Dixon. 

From catcher to bowler, Dixon had two in an over as Huntington and Whatmuff’s stay were short lasted.

Below: Morecambe's Luke Pearson

Morecambe knew the game wasn’t done until the last wicket was taken, especially after Saturday’s defeat to Fleetwood.

Jaco Beneke and Conroy provided slim hopes for Carnforth. A quick fire 68 run partnership from 36 balls but 383 to win, was still a long way away and as Dixon bowled South African overseas Beneke.

Dixon secured his fifth wicket as Hill’s lofted shot went straight to Bradshaw on the boundary.

All 12 points were sealed for Morecambe as Bland (2-16) bowled Parkinson, with Carnforth bowled out for 277. 

Next up for Morecambe is the first home game of the league season as Barrow are the visitors to Woodhill Lane, Saturday, May 9,12:30 start.