A DEPLETED Leyland team with four players missing, including Mark Pallett, Paul Haydock and Mathew Madigan and the suspended Brian Tennant lost by only 17 runs at Fox Lane.

Leyland acting captain, Ian McDonnell put Morecambe in to bat. It appeared a prudent choice because the visitors opening batsman, Mark Woodhead was run out for nought.

Some good pace bowling coupled with Mark Swan's leg-spinners saw Morecambe struggling to score runs.

Opener, Andrew Mashiter batted 85 minutes before Neil Kenyon trapped him lbw for 36. Leyland were well on top and Nasser Afsar dismissed Morecambe professional, Ashwell Prince for 14 but then they let the game slip. Gulum Maje and Damien Gudgeon featured in an unbroken ninth wicket partnership of 49.

Leyland's were reduced to 1-1 when opener, Neil Kenyon was caught behind.

Neil Rimmer began to run out of partners as Gulum Maje accounted for Ian McDonnell and Mark Swan for seven and two respectively.

Rimmer and Charlie Williams added 35 for the fourth wicket before Williams was caught by Ashwell Prince off Peter Stephens for 25.

Leyland always made an attempt to go for the runs but once Neil Rimmer was caught by Stephens off Tommy Clough for 48. Rimmer batted 135 minutes and hit six fours.

Final score: Leyland 149 v Morecambe 166-8.

Leyland are at Blackpool this Saturday (August 12).