SKIPPER Stu Parkin felt his side’s performance in the field left much to be desired as Kendal’s derby jinx continued with defeat to Netherfield at Shap Road.

Without a league win against their rivals since 2007, the Kendal attack toiled as Netherfield comfortably chased down 190 with Marc Brown and Ben Barrow putting on 127 for the opening stand.

As Brown and Barrow made hay with the bat, Parkin and Co. failed to make any inroads with the ball until three quick-fire wickets lifted spirits.

And Parkin, who claimed the scalps of Ben Phillips and John Huck within three balls, admits to thinking the door of opportunity had creaked open slightly.

“I just didn’t feel we bowled well enough first up, Adam Cowperthwaite and myself let them get away too early,” he said.

“It’s paramount to keep it tight in the first ten overs when defending a score like 190. Taking wickets is a bonus but keeping it tight is key.

“We bowled the wrong length and were too full with Marc and Ben taking full advantage. We didn’t bowl well enough and it’s something we have to work on.

“I did think there was a charge on as I feel Netherfield lack a bit of experience in their middle and lower-middle order.

“After taking those wickets I felt if we could open up an end we would have a chance with 70 runs still required but the pro has come in with a great platform and played his shots.

“On another day he could have been out within three or four balls and that could have set the cat among the pigeons but it wasn’t to be.

“There is a hell of a lot to improve on in the field.”

Batting wise, Parkin praised the contributions of Darren Moore, Ryan Shepherd and Terry Hunte as all four batsmen hit their highest scores of the summer.

And with Kendal having the option of instant revenge with fixtures against Netherfield coming thick and fast, the 33-year-old will hope for similar contributions in the weeks ahead.

Kendal travel to Netherfield on Friday evening for a T20 clash before heading to Barrow in the Northern League on Saturday, while a day later the Auld Grey teams reconvene at Shap Road in the County Cup.

“I think we laboured with the bat,” he added. “190 was par, ideally we could have done with 220-230 which would have definitely been a defendable score.

“I thought Saliya Saman bowled really well from one end and it stopped us scoring but credit must also go to our batsmen.

“Darren Moore batted really well as did young Ryan Shepherd while Terry also came to the party. It was Ryan’s first derby game and it was nice for him to get runs.

“It’s good the fixtures are coming thick and fast now and we don’t have long to wait to try and right some wrongs. We’re aiming to make amends.”