Longridge send holders Morecambe crashing out of the cup

A trip to the defending Northern League champions was about as tough a draw that Kyle Helm’s players could have asked for.

A nine-wicket victory with 11 overs left will go down as their biggest scalp yet. The hosts batted first and started steadily until Greenhall had Read caught behind with the score on 19.

Simpson then removed Bhati to leave Morecambe 22-2 before Pearson and Josh Dixon pushed the score onto 59.

Another two quick wickets pegged the hosts back to 61-4 and wickets continued to fall as Morecambe were forced to settle for 139-8.

In reply, James Whitehead fell to Read with the score on 19, bringing Neil Holden to the crease alongside Josh McDowell.

Holden was 65 not out and McDowell undefeated on 56 as their stand of 123 saw Longridge reach 142-1.

Longridge, who host Eagley CC in round two on May 8, were joined also saw wins for fellow Palace Shield sides, Fulwood & Broughton and Garstang.

Garstang beat Lytham with two wickets to spare at the Riverside after restricting them to 144-7.