Cricket: Morecambe prepare for Northern League season with Whalley victory

Morecambe CC beat Whalley by three wickets to make it back to back wins in the NPCL 40 Over Cup.

Whalley recovered from 79-9 as English professional of four years Levi Wolfenden, made 140 in 118 balls to set Morecambe 194. But overseas amateur Siddarth Ahhuja 59 on debut followed by Ashton Ward’s 38* saw Morecambe over the line.

Whalley won the toss and elected to bat first at Woodhill Lane. Lloyd Smith got the first wicket, as Frankie Jackson edged behind to Ahhuja at slip. Regan Jackson struck twice in quick succession, firstly Jamie Pilling and then Aussie overseas Hamish Mullavey-Clark as both were clean bowled. 

It was looking like a good toss to lose, as it got worse for Whalley. Captain, Thomas Cameron the third victim of Jackson and then next ball Sam Jackson edged to wicketkeeper Ward.

Regan Jackson took four wickets

The wickets kept tumbling, Ethan Jackson the next to go for 3. Lloyd Smith with 2-13 and Regan Jackson 4-25 ending their 8 over allocation.

The introduction of spin was no different story for the Whalley batters. Ahhuja’s third ball found the edge of Richard Palmer as Michael Bland took a fine catch at slip and Dixon trapped Aman Singh LBW for 5 just before the drinks break as the scoreboard read 57-8.

It was going to take something special from Wolfenden to get Whalley up to any respectable total. Starting to play some shots made 12 from Dixon’s over. The change of bowlers two overs later brought the ninth wicket as Toby Birtwistle resistance was ended.

Wolfenden took a liking to Smith as 16 came off the 31st over. Whalley went past 100 and Wolfenden brought up his 50 in 72 balls. The aggressive nature didn’t stop there as 50 runs came from the next 4 overs. An outstanding century in 94 balls. The partnership of 114 was ended in the final over but the damage was done as Wolfenden made 140.

A target of 94 looked possible at nine down but it was 194 for the hosts to make it two wins from two.

From batter to bowler, Wolfenden was in the wickets as a full delivery was the undoing of Luke Pearson. Smith and Andy Creech got the runs ticking along but both fell just short of the second powerplay. 

The game in the balance as 43-3 off 8 overs. Ahhuja and Joe Bradshaw struck regular boundaries are they kept up with the run rate. A bowling change proved successful, Mullavey-Clark dismissing the aggrieved Bradshaw as Cameron took the catch behind the stumps.

Overseas player, Siddarth Ahhuja takes a wicket

Ahhuja brought up his maiden 50 for Morecambe from 40 balls as the hosts looked on track but when Ahhuja held out on the boundary then Usman Haider was bowled next ball the game was certainly not done.

Frankie Jackson bowled Dixon round his legs as Morecambe still required 41 with 3 wickets left. But Lloyd Smith and Ward saw the game to victory which was sealed in style with Ward hitting back to sixes.

Wolfenden’s 140 and 4-36 in vain as Whalley lose back-to-back games. Next week the Northern Premier League season begins. Saturday May 2, as Morecambe travel to Fleetwood, with a12:30 start.