MORECAMBE crashed to Surridge Northern Cricket League defeat at runaway leaders St Annes on Saturday - but showed that the Shane Harwood machine may not be just as well oiled as the pundits thought.

The Aussie quickie has been a menace all season and did help to reduce Morecambe to 7-4 after skipper Phil Dennison won the toss and chose to bat.

But by playing sensibly against Harwood, Dennison proved that the Victorian can be seen off.

Opener Mallie Mateka was first to go in the opening over. But he was unlucky as Harwood's rip-snorter of an attempted bouncer never got more than a few inches off the ground and Mateka was bowled.

Then Stephen Twist got into the action as Ian Austin caught Tommy Clough before Gareth Pedder was 'fired' leg before wicket despite the ball appearing to be way too high.

The Mark Woodhead was out and when Dennison joined professional Mark Orchard at the crease, Morecambe were 7-4. That became 30-5 when Orchard was bowled by Harwood, the Kiwi making the mistake of leaving one that clipped the top of one bail.

Nick Milner was next to go with Morecambe still in the 30s - but Dennison resolutely saw off Harwood.

The skipper stood up to the pace and aggression of the Aussie and slowly made his way to 56 before getting out trying to up the scoring ante.

The pick of Dennison's innings was a corking cover drive to the boundary off Harwood's final delivery.

The professional still conceded just 17 runs from his 11 overs after that boundary - but Dennison managed to see him off none the less thanks to his gutsy show.

After that the skipper and Richard Cupit went after Twist, Joe Davies and Michael Baer - but Austin managed to stem the scoring tide and Morecambe were bowled out for 119 in 37 overs.

Morecambe got off to the perfect start as they attempted to defend their low score with Orchard trapping Adrian Darlington with the very first ball of the innings.

Austin made just 17 before Orchard removed him and Harwood was clean bowled by Orchard to leave St Annes reeling on 30-3 and Morecambe sensing an upset.

But Gareth Evans batted well for 27 and Twist, who finished with bowling figures of 5-41, completed a good personal day by making an unbeaten 49 not out to see his side home with overs to spare.