By Michael Latham
Morecambe and Preston will contest the Furness Building Society Cup Final next Sunday (31 August) after Morecambe's emphatic 94 runs victory over Leyland in the semi-final.
Vishnal Goyal and Phil Thornton each scored high class half centuries to bolster Morecambe's imposing total of 235 for 7. Once opener Peter Cummings was bowled by Jono Gates for an outstanding 44 Leyland's challenge faded and they were dismissed for 141.
The stylish Goyal top-scored with 78 off 117 balls, including four fours and one six before he was second out in the 25th over after putting on 98 for the second wicket with Thornton.
Vishnal Goyal top scored with 78 for Morecambe |
Thornton, batting with a runner after aggravating a hamstring injury, hit a punishing 63 off 75 balls which included six fours and three sixes.
Mark Woodhead hit 23 to post an opening stand of 54 with Goyal and Phil Dennison made a quick-fire 22 not out at the end. Leyland pro Ameer Khan emerged with figures of three for 37.
Phil Thornton hit 63 off 75 balls for Morecambe |
Cummings displayed some powerful hitting including three fours and two sixes before he was bowled by Gates for 45 off only 32 balls.
Peter Cummings hit 45 off 32 balls for Leyland |
And when pro Ameer Khan was well caught by Morecambe pro Bruce Martin off a skier, the Leyland challenge faded.
Leyland lost their last nine wickets for only 81 runs as off-spinner Tommy Clough collected three wickets and Graham Lee, Gates and Dennison two apiece.
Morecambe will enjoy home advantage for the final next Sunday (1pm start).
Tommy Clough took 3 wickets for Morecambe |
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