Morecambe stay top of league after Westgate win

Morecambe 1st XI looked to continue their good start to the season as they hosted Westgate 1st XI

After losing the toss and being made to bowl first, Lloyd Smith (3-52) and Rizwan Patel (2-25) made a great start getting the opening three Westgate batters cheaply inside the first 15 overs leaving them 35-3.

Wickets continued to fall and put the hosts on top with overseas David Rhoda (2-37) and Stefan Dixon (1-30) getting the wickets, leaving the away side 107-6 with only five overs left.

However a quick fire 20 from Jack Huntington and a much needed  innings from Craig Buchanan (58) gave the away side a respectable total of 146-9 from their 45 overs.

Morecambe 1st XI started well with openers Lewis Smith and Luke Pearson but, were both dismissed quickly to leave the home side 37-2.

A quick 22 from Alex Briggs raced the score to 65 but was dismissed by regular wicket taker Zak Buchanan (2-42).

A good partnership from Joe Davies (21) and overseas David Rhoda was needed to keep the hosts on top and getting the total to 100.

When Davies and Backhouse were caught though in the space of three overs, it gave the away side a chance.

But David Rhoda and Stefan Dixon (17) steadied the chase and was finished off in style with Ashton Ward hitting his first ball for four and David Rhoda finishing 49 not out to make it a perfect 3/3 win start for the home side and staying top of the league. 

Next week, Morecambe 1st XI travel to Kirkham & Wesham whilst Westgate host Lancaster with both games starting at 1pm on Saturday May 17.

Morecambe 1st X1, 149/6 v Westgate 1st X1, 146/9 on Saturday, Palace Shield Cricket League, Premier Division.

Here are more photos from the game, by Tony North.