LEIGH CC completed a fine weekend's work with back-to-back victories in the league and Lancashire Cup.

On Saturday they claimed their first league victory of the season with a convincing win over Lytham.

After being put into bat, Lytham were soon in trouble as first Iqbal Sikander and then Ronnie Davis struck. At 15-2 from 14 excellent overs, Dave Potter was introduced into the attack and wasted no time in dismissing Hilton for a single.

This was the crucial time of the innings as Lytham's pro Fulton and the dangerous Sainsbury were at the crease. Fulton was looking uncomfortable against the spin of Sikander and, despite hitting two nice off drives for four, was trapped lbw by a googly from the former Pakistan international.

Sainsbury was undaunted as he proceeded to hit two sixes into the tennis courts. However, Sikander got his reward again, bowling Sainsbury for 35.

At 52-5 Lytham's resistance had gone and none of the remaining batsmen could make double figures. Potter, Sikander and Davis all took further wickets as Lytham collapsed to 82 all out.

Sikander returned another five wicket haul, Davis took 2-14 from 11 and Potter returned figures of 3-21.

Unfortunate

In reply Nigel Hallows was unfortunate to play on against Sainsbury. Dove joined Andy Batterley and broke the back of the Lytham spirit, taking the score to 55 before both batsmen fell in quick succession.

Despite Sikander also being dismissed the outcome was never in doubt as Gareth Cross hit a quickfire unbeaten 22, including two sixes, to see Leigh home by six wickets.

The following day Leigh had a comprehensive victory over Morecambe in the first round of the Lancashire Cup.

Leigh's respect for Northern League opposition appeared well founded as Andy Batterley was out to the first ball of the match. Dove and Hallows added 39 for the second wicket before Dove went for 18. Hallows soon followed for 22 and at 51-3 with 22 overs gone, Morecambe considered that they had the upper hand.

Steve Bailey and Gareth Cross had other ideas as they added 83 in just 13 overs. Bailey, once again, maintained his fine form with a run a ball 54, an innings which included seven fours.

Leigh, with 10 overs left and six wickets in hand, were able to play positively.

Sikander made 19 from 11 ball and Ronnie Davis 17 from 11. As the run chase continued Cross was dismissed for a fine 44, having hit two fours and two sixes from just 48 balls.

Leigh eventually closed on 193-9 from their allotted 45 overs. Clough was Morecambe's most successful bowler with 5-44.

Morecambe's reply got off to a disastrous start as Graham Duddle ripped through the early order. At 13-3, the pressure was on their Indian overseas star Muzundar. He and Clough took the score to 51. The crucial wicket fell when Muzundar was brilliantly stumped by Cross off the bowling of Ben Cottrell.

Powered home

Leigh then powered home as Morecambe slumped to 92 all out. Colin Smith bowled tightly but it was Davis, Sikander and Cottrell, added to Duddle's earlier efforts, which brought Leigh a 101-run victory.

Tomorrow Leigh visit Bootle in the league, play their National Knockout against Oxton at Beech Walk on Sunday (1.30pm) before wrapping up a busy weekend with a league clash against Huyton on Monday.