KENDAL's bowlers did a sterling job but the batsmen - Kevin Howarth the sole exception - failed to live up to expectations as they suffered a 12-run defeat at Blackpool on Saturday.

Blackpool professional, the fast bowler Marcus Sharp, was rubbing his hands as he scooped an eye-catching 7-16, including 11 maidens in his 15-over stint.

It was an unlikely scenario after the Stanley Park side had been dismissed for 112 with just under five overs of the allotted 57 remaining.

Pakistani professional Kabir Khan took two wickets in two balls and Howarth also claimed a couple of victims.

Newcomer Ian Higson made his mark on his Kendal debut with two strikes, but spinner Richard Ellwood emerged with the best figures of with

3-20 in a solid all-round display with the ball.

For Blackpool, opener Martin Pickles (28) and skipper Mark Lomas (23) helped to carry the home team towards three figures.

Kendal lost Simon Little off the first ball of their reply as Sharp turned the innings into a procession.

Applying himself while others threw away their wickets, Howarth threatened to take Kendal to victory in spite of themselves and he remain undefeated on 54, lacking the company to carry the job through.