ST ANNES captain Russell Bradley won the toss put Morecambe in to bat on Saturday (May 8) in their Vaux Northern League match.

It appeared a prudent decision when St Annes professional Dave Callaghan bowled Morecambe opener, Mark Woodhead for three.

However, Morecambe's South African professional Dave Callaghan bowled Morecambe opener, Mark Woodhead for three.

However, Morecambe's South African professional Ashwell Prince took charge of the proceedings.

On the way to his first century in the league he shared a fifth wicket partnership with Graham Fisher worth 49.

Prince finally departed for 106, caught by Russell Bradley off Dave Callaghan's second spell, as Morecambe finished on 196-6.

He batted for 142 minutes, faced 122 balls and hit 3 sixes and 7 fours.

Debutant David Taylor from Milnrow was the pick of the St Annes bowling attack with 2 for 35 from nine overs.

In reply, St Annes only batted 11 overs before rain brought a premature end to the proceedings. They lost Bobby Denning lbw to Peter Stephens for five.

Nevertheless, Adrian Darlington and Dave Callaghan remained undefeated with 18 and 8 respectively.

St Annes were on 32-1 when play was stopped

This weekend brings a respite from league action because it is the first round of the Vaux Samson Cup.

St Annes travel to Fleetwood.

Last season St Annes were beaten in the semi-finals and, obviously, will want to go further in the competition this year.

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