By Michael Latham
Ali Azmat hit an undefeated 97 for Earby in their victory over Morecambe |
Morecambe crashed out of the LCB Lancashire Knock-Out Competition at the third round stage after an emphatic eight wickets defeat against Ribblesdale League side Earby at Applegarth.
Morecambe's exit from the prestigious competition leaves the Northern League without a representative in the latter stages of the competition, the final of which will be staged at St Annes.
Last weekend also saw the remaining league sides exit the ECB National Club Championship to complete a miserable year in external competitions.
Ali Azmat, the Earby professional, extended his remarkable run in the competition to earn his side a fourth round tie at Little Hulton.
The Pakistan left-hander hit 125 in the first round victory over Saddleworth and 182 not out in the second round defeat of Baxenden.
He was denied a third successive century in the competition when left stranded on 97 not out as Earby reached their target with 6.2 overs in hand.
Mark Woodhead hit 52 for Morecambe |
Early afternoon rain reduced the tie to a 30-over contest beginning at 4-15pm and Morecambe, inserted by Earby captain Craig Walton reached 177 for 8.
Openers Mark Woodhead and Phil Dennison gave the visitors a fine start with 65 in eight overs but the introduction of skipper Walton into the attack turned the game around.
Phil Dennison helped Woodhead get Morecambe off to a good start |
Deputising for the injured Stephen Hipgrave Walton claimed the wickets of both openers and Morecambe pro Mandla Mashimbyi on his way to a match-winning analysis of 3 for 11 off 6 overs.
Woodhead top-scored with 52 off 53 balls, including six fours and two sixes while Ryan Smith crashed an unbeaten 48 off 42 balls to help set a challenging target.
But Azmat made light of the target with a superb undefeated innings that included nine fours and five sixes from only 66 balls.
He shared an unbroken third wicket stand of 111 with Chris Walton in ten overs as Earby cruised to victory with eight wickets in hand.
Ryan Smith made an undefeated 48 for Morecambe |
