KENDAL skipper Stu Parkin has admitted his frustration at not being able to capitalise on an impressive bowling performance as rain put pay to any chances of a win against Leyland.

Nick Lewthwaite blew away the Lancashire batsmen but his starring display of 8-41 proved fruitless as the rain fell just 12 overs into Kendal’s chase of 154 for victory.

And while delighted with the experienced hands of Lewthwaite, Parkin was disappointed Kendal couldn’t come away with the points.

“It’s been a bit of a happy hunting ground for us over the last few years,” he said.

“We have been down there and done quite well but obviously they are a very good side.

“It could have gone either way to be honest but we were favourites because the new rain rules that came in this year do favour the side batting second.

“The longer you are off your run total comes down as well so it could have got to a point where we only needed 30 off six overs to win.

“I am amazed we got any cricket in at all. When we set off it was torrential rain, we got down there and it wasn’t too bad but in the end the rain did beat us.”

He added: “It was a fantastic effort by Nick. I can’t praise him enough. He’s coming into his twilight years in his career but that is just absolute proof he is still one of the best players in the team.

“Bar the pro Nick is my first name on the team sheet every week because I know what I get from him and he’s a good lad and deserves everything.

“It’s just a shame we couldn’t capitalise on a good bowling performance. It is frustrating when somebody has put in such a brilliant performance in the first half and the second half becomes a bit of a damp squib...no pun intended!”

This weekend Kendal host Blackpool in the league followed by a crucial Readers Cup semi-final against the Lancashire Colts at Shap Road on Sunday.

The Kendal captain said he attended a meeting on Monday night where it was decided the Colts would pull out of next year’s Northern Cricket League.

Parkin, however, admits they still face a considerable task if his Parkside Road team are to reach the final.

“It could be their swansong to go out with a bang and take the cup with them,” he said.

“It will be a good game. There are some future stars in that team. We don’t know who they are yet but they are all young lads who are capable of playing cricket and it will be a good test for us.

“We have to try and put the final out of our minds and try and concentrate on the semi. Finals are always tricky games to look forward to when you’ve still got to make it there. It’s all about keeping your eyes on the prize and trying to focus on what we will come up against on Sunday.”

He added: “Blackpool are sitting pretty at the top of the table. We came out winners against them in the cup game but I think their league team is stronger. It is definitely going to be a big test for us.”