KENDAL fell to defeat as they lost by eight wickets to title-chasing Darwen - the Shap Road side ultimately paying the price for some poor batting.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kendal made a flying start as both Saeed Bariwala and Shane Hyland put on a quick-fire 29 for the first wicket.

However, after making such a positive start, it wasn’t long before the collapse began as Saeed Bariwala got himself out in the fourth over after seeing his attempted drive for six caught by Ammer Mirza off the bowling of Neil Cordingley.

Bariwala going for 19, scoring one four and two sixes in his quick fire spell.

Hyland and Paul Dodds attempted to push the score on, only for Hyland to be stumped by Jordan Clarke for 21 off the bowling of sub professional Daryn Smit.

Kendal, now on 53-2, collapsed as Paul Dodds, Richard Herron and Darren Braithwate all fell to Smit - on loan from Lancashire League side Ramsbottom - before Joseph Dodds got himself run out.

Kendal were now toiling on 60-6 in the 21st over.

The hosts attempted to build a recovery through skipper Chris Miller and South African professional Eldred Hawkens who put on 37.

However after clawing themselves back into the contest, the partnership was broken when Miller was caught deep for 15 by John Cordingley off the bowling of David Bowden.

Bowden then dismissed Stu Parkin for 0 after he was caught by John Painter, before Smit trapped Ryan Nightingale lbw, before seeing off Hawken, who top scored with 36, after the paid man was stumped by Clarke.

Smit closed with impressive figures of 6-28 as Kendal were dismissed for 110 in 38.4 overs.

Kendal made the perfect start as they attempted to defend their low total when Hawken bowled Darwen opener Ammer Mirza without a run on the board.

Hawken then took a second wicket, seeing John Painter off as he was caught for 3 by Richard Herron, and Darwen were on 19-2.

However, with such a low total to chase, the unbeaten score of 59 by John Cordingley as well as Smit's unbeaten 39, eased Darwen home as the pair put on a match winning partnership of 95.

Darwen reached their target in 34.2 overs with Hawken returning figures of 2-39.