Morecambe’s title-winning season ends with Blackpool defeat

Morecambe completed their title-winning Northern Premier League campaign with defeat to Blackpool at Woodhill Lane on Saturday.
Morecambe's first team, with president Charlie Clough, celebrate their title triumph. Picture: Tony NorthMorecambe's first team, with president Charlie Clough, celebrate their title triumph. Picture: Tony North
Morecambe's first team, with president Charlie Clough, celebrate their title triumph. Picture: Tony North

Having been presented with the trophy prior to the start of the match Josh Dixon’s men couldn’t match the heights of the previous week’s win over Preston which sealed a first championship since 2006 as they went down to a 42-run loss to last year’s champions.

Blackpool flew out of the blocks with the experienced Steven Twist (44) helping them race past the 50 mark.

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After being the victim of some confident stroke play Eddy Read eventually got his man clean bowled, then took three more wickets in quick succession to go beyond 70 for the season.

Northern League president Brian Standing presents Morecambe captain Josh Dixon with the league winner's trophy. Picture: Tony NorthNorthern League president Brian Standing presents Morecambe captain Josh Dixon with the league winner's trophy. Picture: Tony North
Northern League president Brian Standing presents Morecambe captain Josh Dixon with the league winner's trophy. Picture: Tony North

The visitors continued to play with freedom however and looked to attack the Morecambe bowling wherever possible.

Josh Boyne (17) and skipper Paul Danson (27) both played fluently but were unable to stick around long enough to make their contributions count.

In Michael Penny however Blackpool had someone who very much took it to champions with his spectacular 45 off just 31 balls including three fours and four sixes. He struck the ball to all parts before he tried one too many and was caught in the deep by Suraj Randiv off the bowling of Tommy Clough to give him his 30th wicket of the season.

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Jamie Cassidy returned alongside Randiv and the pair quickly wrapped up the tail but not before Blackpool had bludgeoned their way to 183 all out.

Star bowlers Eddy Read and Suraj Randiv celebrate with the Northern Premier League trophy. Picture: Tony NorthStar bowlers Eddy Read and Suraj Randiv celebrate with the Northern Premier League trophy. Picture: Tony North
Star bowlers Eddy Read and Suraj Randiv celebrate with the Northern Premier League trophy. Picture: Tony North

Morecambe were in the mood to enjoy their batting and gave opportunities to many to look at their potential with the bat ahead of next season.

Lewis Edge and Ryan Pearson opened up and found instant success against the medium pace of Blackpool professional Christi Viljoen striking a succession of boundaries to get the hosts going.

The pair continued to play positively until Pearson was well caught behind for 10.

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Randiv’s stay was brief as was that of Read as he was given an opportunity with the bat.

Gert Maartens (22) proved his quality but couldn’t find a regular partner as his skipper Dixon played a tired shot to become Viljoen’s fourth victim of the afternoon.

Morecambe were still well in the game but kept losing wickets a regular intervals throughout.

Phil Dennison showed some resistance in a well-made 25 and Clough looked in good touch scoring a fluent 18.

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However when Dennison swept straight to square leg and then the limping Mark Woodhead was trapped plumb in front Morecambe’s game was up as a memorable season came to a disappointing end.

*The club held their end of season presentation evening following the game with Read picking up the coveted Supporters’ Player of the Year award after a fine first season at Woodhill Lane.