Blackpool 124-7 Morecambe 210-8 MORECAMBE had to be content with a winning draw at Stanley Park.

Put in to bat, they lost their first wicket at 16 when Graham Fisher was caught by Robin Bracewell off Marcus Sharp for 11.

Their next two wickets fell at 70. Mark Woodhead was caught by Michael Moore off John Kirkby for 27 and Phil Moffat failed to trouble the scorers. Then three runs later Tommy Clough was bowled by Sharp for two.

Half the Morecambe side was dismissed for 77 when David Greenwood was lbw to Sharp for nought.

Then professional Steven Pope and Gulam Maje redressed the balance with a 43 runs partnership for the sixth wicket before the latter was caught by Moore off Kirkby for 26. Pope and wicket-keeper Damian Gudgeon then featured in the highest partnership of the day, 80 for the seventh wicket before Pope was caught by Gavin Wiggans off Sharp for 100.

His century came in 142 minutes off 118 balls and included 3 sixes and 7 fours. Morecambe declared at 210 for 8, with Gugdeon 38 not out and Neil Jordan still to get off the mark. Blackpool started the match with nine players because Jabir Manajee was late and opener Martin Pickles was selected but out of the country on holiday, so they had to recruit local sports writer 52-year-old Gerry Wolstenholme to play. After Blackpool lost Paul Simmonite for four with only 6 runs on the board they made little attempt to go for the required runs. Blackpool captain Gavin Wiggans top scored with 36 and Morecambe captain Mark Woodhead tried seven different bowlers, including himself, in an attempt to buy wickets. It didn't work as Blackpool finished 87 runs short of victory but with only three wickets remaining.

John Eccles bowled superbly to take 5 for 35 from 13 overs.

Looking at this Saturday, Morecambe play Lancaster in the local derby at Woodhill Lane.

Anything can happen in these sort of matches but I favour Morecambe to win on their own ground and their bowling is stronger than Lancasters.

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