Morecambe won a tight game at Preston, which showed more than ever that this year they are again ready to mount a serious title challenge.

A solid all-round performance in hot, sultry conditions earned them maximum points. against a Preston side who were many people's outsiders for the title this season.

Put in to bat Morecambe started steadily enough, before professional Asad accounted for Thornton, beaten by a good yorker, and Woodhead, unfortunate to be adjudged caught behind when no bat was involved!

Goyal again got a start and threatened a major onslaught, but he brought about his own demise, managing to get a top edge when sweeping a ball and giving an easy catch behind.

Professional Martin and skipper Lomas then began to rebuild the innings, Martin with a flaying bat and Lomas with his usual control and steadiness.

They proved an ideal foil for each other and kept the scoreboard ticking over, as Preston changed their bowlers regularly, to counter the sticky conditions.

Williams returned to account for Martin, who fell just short of a deserved 50, but he had put his team back in the ascendancy on a wicket that was proving helpful for any bowler prepared to bowl the right lines.

A flurry of wickets saw 144-4 turn to 150-7, but it was Gudgeon who brought the final impetus to the innings.

Lomas continued to find the gaps in the large playing area Preston provides and passed his 50 with a flourish.

The captain continues to bring a calmness and consistency to the Morecambe middle order and would have been more than happy posting 193 in 50 overs.

Preston's reply got off to the worst of starts as prolific batsman, professional Asad, was bowled by Pedder, just reward for an energetic opening spell.

Jono Gates also had early success, accounting for the well-travelled Davies, trapped in front and finding the edge of former Leyland pro Vahaluwala, as an inspired Gudgeon took the catch behind the stumps.

Patel and Bavla began to rebuild as the Preston innings followed a similar pattern to that of Morecambe's.

It took the introduction of Lee to break the partnership, which he did with his very first ball, tempting Patel to give an easy chance to Gudgeon.

To the home side's credit they never looked like giving up the fight and continued the run chase with vigour.

Professional Martin bowled with little luck, but was harshly treated at times, as he tried to defend the shorter of the boundaries.
Lee's great early season form continued and he was again the pick of the bowlers.

He used the humid conditions well and no batsman looked comfortable against his flight and guile as he picked up the wickets of Bavla and Malik as they tried to force the pace.

A run out from Gates (yes you have read that right) and a further breakthrough from the returning Pedder, left Preston needing 23 with the last pair at the wicket, and they picked off singles with sensible batting for three overs, which began to frustrate a tiring Morecambe side.

It was appropriate that Lee was to have the glory, trapping Williams in front with 15 balls and 16 runs to spare, to complete a deserved victory for a Morecambe side that must really have title aspirations after such a solid team effort.

* THIS weekend Morecambe take on Leyland at Woodhill Lane, the side currently top the league after a very strong start to the season.

On Sunday they continue on the cup trail, this time in the National Knockout at Dalton.

With work and family commitments to contend with, the game should give some of their second string a chance to shine.