Morecambe still trail league leaders Darwen by one point after the East Lancashire side's victory over Lancaster.

Darwen are on 133 points in what is becoming one of the tightest Northern Premier League race in recent years, while Morecambe's victory over Leyland Motors at Woodhill Lane.

Morecambe's opening batsmen did most of the damage on Saturday, with Phil Dennison hitting 97 and partner Mark Woodhead making 89 as the home side made their way to a total of 214 for 2 before declaring.

Morecambe's bowlers were just as good, bulldozing through the Motors line-up to bowl the league strugglers out for just 53.

Yet again, the formidable professional Ramesh Powar and the league's leading amateur bowler, Peter Stephens, proved unstoppable, taking four wickets each for the loss of just 16 and 29 runs respectively.

Lancaster, meanwhile, found Darwen's key bowler, Andy Mercer, in fine form as they attempted to halt Darwen's run of good form.

Batting first, the hosts made their way to a respectable total of 185 for 8, with professional Gareth Cordingley making an excellent 66 before being out, caught Atkinson, bowled by professional Munnik.

At that stage, Lancaster looked to be in with a shout, but the Darwen tail wagged, with that man Mercer hitting 32.

Lancaster's batsmen were on the back foot from the start and, despite sterling efforts from Parkinson (39) and Newell (31) the advantage always lay with the hosts.

Lancaster's seconds retained top spot with a six-wicket victory while Morecambe's seconds retain second place.