Morecambe make it two wins out of two at Penrith

Phil Dennison once again set the platform with a brilliant 82 but it was to be new boys Eddy Read, 6-55, and Suraj Randiv, 4-45, who did the damage with the ball.

On a damp and dreary day Josh Dixon’s side were asked to bat and the skipper was first to go to a leading edge despite a positive start.

Cue the returning Mark Woodhead (39) who looked as he had never been away but he was stopped in his tracks by the rain.

As the weather eased the players returned in a game reduced to 46 overs with Woodhead and Dennison flying through the gears to take Morecambe past the 100 mark.

When Woodhead fell for an excellent 39 professional Randiv (25) combined beautifully with Dennison and the pair continued to take the visitors forward.

Penrith however began to take wickets at regular intervals towards the end of the innings ultimately accounting for Dennison for a fine 82 as Morecambe picked up their full batting points finishing on 198-9.

With the rain returning during the tea interval Penrith were set 168 off 32 overs.

They began well through Nicky Burns who looked to attack Read and Randiv but Morecambe’s opening pair were to have the last laugh.

As Penrith continued on the offensive wickets began to fall to the spin and seam combination and when Read removed Cumberland star Alex Atkinson first ball followed soon by professional Paul Hindmarsh Morecambe were well on top.

The Cumbrians kept fighting but were ultimately bowled out for 116 as Morecambe’s excellent start to the new season continued.