Morecambe currently lead the North 2 group by two points but know that defeat to their arch rivals will see Lancaster through due to their better run rate.

It is all set up for a competitive clash with a place in the finals day at Blackpool's Stanley Park ground on Sunday at stake.

Lancaster skipper Dave Heywood said: "Whoever takes it will go through so it promises to be a big day. It's a local derby and I just hope we get a decent night.

"They will bring quite a few fans and we should have plenty watching so it should be an excellent crowd for us."

Heywood has sat out the Twenty20 campaign, allowing Michael Stevens to lead the side but he was watching on last Thursday.

He said: "I thought we fielded and bowled very well last week. We got off to a good start with the bat but then just threw it away, which we have been doing in every game recently.

"We did it on Saturday against Kendal as, from about 50-1 we ended up about 60-6 – we've been giving our wickets away.

"When we lose our wickets, we have got to build partnerships and consolidate. We will come back, we have just got to keep working at it."
Last Thursday's first game at Woodhill Lane went to Morecambe, a relatively comfortable victory on a gloomy evening.

But Lancaster still hold the potential trump card of a better run rate (7.54 to 6.41).

They will not face Morecambe dangerman Phil Thornton, who made 39 last week opening but is currently on holiday.

Lancaster will also be boosted by the return of opening bowler Danny Milligan who missed last week's clash as he was on Lancashire 2nd team duty.

Morecambe will be led by Tommy Clough, who has seen his side to victory in all three of the Twenty20 clashes so far.

He said: "We are just hoping that the weather stays fine because we don't fancy having a bowlout to decide who goes through!"
Although Thornton took the plaudits with the bat last Thursday, Lewis Edge impressed with four stumpings.

Clough said: "He is a very good player and it's unfortunate for us that he is such a good footballer and we can't play him all season."

Already through to the finals day are Blackpool and Chorley, who will play at 11am. At 2pm, Lancaster or Morecambe will play Kendal, Netherfield or Barrow, depending on the result of the latter two who play tonight, Friday.

Sunday's final is scheduled for 5pm.

n Lancaster will give a debut to promising teenage leg spinner Alex Metcalfe in their Northern League clash at home to Netherfield on Saturday.

Also promoted is Billy Akrigg while Iain Burstow and Charlie Swarbrick are unavailable.

Heywood said: "We will try and bring younger lads in as and when we can because right through the club we are strong junior-wise."

Wassem Khan will again be professional. He is likely to be at Lune Road until the end of the season as Taufeeq Umar will not be returning from Pakistan.

Umar, who came with a reputation based on a Test average of more than 40, went back to Pakistan to care for his ill mother.

And he has informed Lancaster that he will not be flying back to England, instead returning to action in the Indian Cricket League later in the year.

Umar made 366 runs in 11 games in all competitions at 33.27 average.

His top score was 105 against Carnforth in the Twenty20.

Morecambe will host Chorley with Mark Woodhead returning to the side for Ryan Smith.

Carnforth are also at home on Saturday, to Fleetwood, and field a strong side with Darren Moore fit again and Warren Quinn available.