MORECAMBE'S chances of taking the Northern Premier League title that appeared to be in their grasp slipped further after a surprise bank holiday draw at Lancaster.

Batting first, Morecambe benefited from an excellent 134 by substitute professional, Robin Morris, who made 134 on his debut.

He was well supported by former Lancaster captain Phil Dennison, as his side progressed to 239 for 6.

However, Lancaster were not to be denied and, although Phil Stephens took another impressive haul of five wickets for 67, with the excellent Brendan Hetherington making 68 before Stephens took another useful wicket.

The game ended with Lancaster just 10 runs short of Morecambe's total, but with only one wicket left standing.

Lancaster, who have also reached the final of the league cup, drew with Kendal in an interrupted games at Kendal on Saturday.

Morecambe, meanwhile, said goodbye to professional, Ramesh Powar, with a victory over Chorley on Saturday.

Powar has been one of the finest professionals in the Northern Premier League this season, but had to return to India at the weekend.

Only Nigel Heaton, who made 59, dented an excellent bowling performance, in particular by Farouk Patel and Peter Stephens.

Patel claimed figures of five wickets for the loss of just 62 while Stephens took four for 44 as the visitors were all out at 179.

Morecambe's openers, Mark Woodhead and Phil Dennison, were both out agonisingly one shot of the half century.

However, Powar, batting third, steered Morecambe towards victory with an excellent, unbeaten total of 61 as his side reached their target for the loss of just four wickets.

The weekend's results leave Morecambe 24 points behind leaders and hot title favourites, Darwen.

This weekend's action sees Lancaster host bottom side Leyland while third placed side Netherfield visit Morecambe.

Both Morecambe and Lancaster's second teams are enjoying another good season - they lie first and second respectively in the second division title race.