Reigning champions Morecambe suffered a shock opening day defeat to an impressive Barrow side as the defence of their Northern League title got off to a stumble.

Batting first, Morecambe struggled to impose themselves on the Barrow attack at the Ernest Pass Memorial Ground and in particular pro Pasan Wanasinghe.

The Sri Lankan seamer, who has served as paid man for Lancashire League outfit Haslingden, could be a threat this season and was right on the money as he claimed 3-36 from his 16 overs.

Skipper Mark Lomas top scored with 26, while Vishnal Goyal made 17 - but the locals limped to 103 all out from 43 overs giving Barrow the perfect opportunity to claim cross-Bay supremacy.

Graham Lee removed Jon Miles for 18 as Lomas held a good catch - and the same pairing struck to get rid of Ian Allington for 42. But Wanasinghe was unbeaten on 26 as Barrow coasted home in 29 overs with eight wickets to spare.

* MORECAMBE seconds claimed a winning draw against Barrow at Woodhill Lane after posting 230-9 from their 50 overs.

The locals were in the box seat throughout and were unfortunate not to collect maximum points as Barrow dug in at 154-9.