THE area's two Northern League cricket teams both had reason to celebrate this weekend, with impressive victories.

Lancaster took the honours with their first win this season against Leyland, a result which saw them skip up the table by two places.

Morecambe, meanwhile, re-iterated their status as hot favourites for the title with a superb bowling performance setting up a seven-wicket defeat of reigning champions Netherfield.

Solid batting set up Lancaster's victory, and they had professional Renier Munik to thank for a large slice of their 212 for 7.

Munik made an unbeaten 106, with good support particularly from opener Atkinson (28), Burstow (27) and Phillips (17).

Leyland started their replay convincingly, helped by a 66 from Neil Rimmer.

However, when Danny Hagen caught Rimmer from the bowling of fellow youngster Ben Simm, the momentum was with the visitors and the Leyland side were bowled out for 193.

Simm was the star bowler, taking five wickets for just 39 runs.

Morecambe, meanwhile, look to have ended Netherfield's two year stranglehold on the Northern Premier League trophy after a fine performance at Woodhill Road on Saturday.

Professional Ramesh Powar cleaned off openers Craig Walmsley and Tommy Prince for just 20 and 27 respectively.

And, as he has throughout the season, Peter Stephens proved himself to be the league's finest strike bowler, taking 4 wickets for just 39 runs as Netherfield fell to 104 all out.

Morecambe's batsmen didn't quite have it all their own way, though Mark Woodhead's unbeaten 38 and skipper Phil Thornton's 31 took them to a comfortable 105 for 3.

With 10 games of the season behind them, Morecambe now lead the table by 15 points from Darwen, with Netherfield 24 further points behind.

In next week's action, Lancaster host Blackpool while Morecambe go to Fleetwood.

In Division Two, Lancaster lead with 93 with third place Morecambe six points behind.