ANOTHER top quality batting performance from Morecambe professional Amol Muzumdar and captain Phil Thornton set their side up for Slater Cup victory.

The Indian, who has produced a string of highly impressive Northern League performances, opened with a score of 59 and Thornton made a sweet 67 as Morecambe put together a useful total of 232 for 7.

But Morecambe's most deadly opponents of recent weeks -- the rain -- almost came back to haunt them.

A downpour left their opponents, Leyland Motors, back in the clubhouse on 45-4. They saw their required total reduced, leaving them needing just 106 more runs for victory.

However, Morecambe showed that their bowling is every bit as capable of winning games as their batting, skittling out three more Leyland batsmen

Morecambe now face arguably the most difficult test the competition could throw up. They face a journey north to league champions Netherfield.

Although Morecambe's record against Netherfield this season has been good, they will still have to be at their very best to progress.

Lancaster, meanwhile, will have to play their game against Kendal again after they failed to get anywhere near the crease in Saturday's rain affected encounter.

For the record, Kendal had made 155 for 7 when the heavens opened, Lancaster's best bowlers being professional Gareth Breese and Glover with two wickets each.

Lancaster seconds were unstoppable on Saturday as they disposed of Kendal to book an early spot in the semi's of the Latus Trophy.

After receiving a bye, they must wait and see if Morecambe can also win through for a spicy semi-final encounter.

Lancaster have enjoyed crushing victories the previous two weeks, and they destroyed their opposition in a similar manner and with comparable ease at Lune Road.

The seconds have been fortunate to avoid the recent showers but have revelled in the sun, with their form blossoming right on cue.

They can now look forward to another exciting cup clash and are perfectly placed for the final push in the league.

Although there was a brief rain break on Saturday, it merely prolonged the inevitable.

Kendal were already 4 wickets down when they went off after 21 overs, at 47, and it went from bad to worse when they returned.

Bob Masterman, returning from the thirds, soon bowled the fifth wicket, before finishing with 2/10. At 72, Andy Miller then saw off Kendal's top-scorer with just 17, caught and bowled, and it was curtains for the Cumbrians.

Kendal held out for 93 with Paul Dennison taking 3/18 and Miller, 3/22. When hearing that Kendals highest contribution came from extras, 23, you'd be right to presume that they were totally outclassed.

Ferro and Cunliffe made 21 for Lancaster but it was left to father and son, Brian and Stuart Phillips, to complete another convincing win.

They made a 52 partnership with Brian hitting 41 not out, off 46 balls, for Lancaster to win by 7 wickets.

The win means that Lancaster go into their top-two clash with Fleetwood on Saturday in perfect shape.

Lune Road will host the Lancashire Cricket Board Under 16's cricket festival on Monday. North Lancashire are set to face North West Lancashire, with the action under way at 10.20. Admission is free, all are welcome and, of course, refreshments will be available, so please pop along!