Morecambe hopes scuppered by the weather
Not out Morecambe batsmen Lewis Edge and Chris Williams wait in vain for the rain to stop |
Lancaster completed the Finals Day line-up in the Latham Baxendale Twenty20 Cup after their North Two group game against derby rivals Morecambe was disrupted by the weather.
Michael Stevens' side went into the game with three wins from three games and with a superior run rate over Morecambe.They made 131 for 5 in their 20 overs on an overcast evening at Lune Road.
Michael Stevens made 50 for Lancaster in a captain's innings |
Stevens anchored the innings with 50 off 60 balls and was out in the last over, brilliantly stumped by Lewis Edge off Tommy Clough.
Stevens and Kiran Uppoor (33) added 69 for the third wicket to form the cornerstone of Lancaster's total.
Reg Cupit had claimed the vital wicket of Lancaster pro Roy Silva leg before for 20 off 15 balls just as he threatened to cut loose.
Cupit returned figures of one for 14 with Clough taking two for 21.
Reg Cupit bowls to Lancaster captain Michael Stevens |
Morecambe needed to reach their victory target in 15 overs in order to reach Finals Day but conditions deteriorated as their innings began in steady drizzle.
Ikram Ullah fell to a brilliant running catch in the deep by Jamie Heywood but Chris Williams hit 23 off only 15 balls.
Morecambe had reached 40 for 1 off 4 overs when the umpires had no alternative but to abandon play due to worsening conditions at 8.20pm.
The rain sets in at Lune Road as Morecambe begin their innings |
After waiting until 8-45pm in a vain hope of conditions improving play was abandoned.
In accordance with league rules a result had to be obtained and Lancaster won on the toss of a coin.
Stevens' side recorded four wins from four in North Two and scored 583 runs from 80 overs at a run rate of 7.28. Morecambe scored 461 runs from 64 overs at a run rate of 7.20.
In the four overs possible had Morecambe scored six more runs and then won the toss of a coin then they would have reached Finals Day, it was that tight.
The Finals Day line-up on Sunday 25 July at Preston CC has now been confirmed.
In the first semi-final Blackpool will face holders Preston at 11am.
In the second semi-final at 2pm Lancaster play Netherfield.
The Final is scheduled for 5pm.
Results
Lancaster v Morecambe
Match abandoned (Lancaster won on toss of a coin)
Lancaster 131 for 5 (20 overs) (M Stevens 50), Morecambe 40 for 1 (4 overs)
RSP at 8.20pm
Lancaster qualify for Finals Day at Preston on Sunday 25 July
