Morecambe extend stay at top of Palace Shield after Rufford win

Morecambe remain top of the Palace Shield Premier Division after beating Rufford.

Morecambe won the toss and elected to bat first in glorious conditions.

There was a blistering start from Lewis Smith as he made 12 off the first over with three boundaries. But it was Jamie Holmes first out as he was caught by Golding off the bowling of Lyon for 6 as the home side made a positive start inside 6 overs, reaching 45-1. 

Smith brought up his 50, 8 overs later as the boundaries continued to flow between him and Andy Creech. Smith would depart in the 16th over caught Ashcroft for 61 off just 50 balls.

As the score ticked past 100, Rufford got their next wicket, with Luke Pearson out for 5. But a match defining partnership from Rhoda and Creech of 112 set the game perfectly for the home side. Both reached 50s as Morecambe went past 200 and a big score was on the cards with still 7 overs left.

Rhoda departed for 51 as he was caught by Golding and next over Orr was bowled by Lyth. Morecambe 222-5 with 5 overs left. A quick fire 17 from wicketkeeper Ward and Creech finishing 79 not out got the hosts to 258-7 from their 45 overs.

It was going to be a tough chase for Rufford and became even tougher when overseas player Du Toit got caught early on for 19. A partnership was needed and was produced by Max and Gregg Ashcroft, they put on 76 before Max was run out for 34 by David Rhoda. Rufford 105-2 from 27 overs.

Wickets continued to fall and all of a sudden became 119-6 as Rhoda and Dixon spun past the middle order. The game all but over with 12 overs left. Gregg Ashcroft handy innings came to an end as he was well caught by Ward for 60. Joe Lyth ended on 42 from 37 balls to get Rufford near 200 but ultimately wasn’t enough as Morecambe won by 66 runs. 

Morecambe unbeaten run continues as they stay 14 points clear. Next week it’s a top of the table clash as Morecambe go to Torrisholme.