KENDAL slumped to their third straight league defeat after losing by 64 runs to Blackpool at Shap Road. The Auld Greys, who are now just one point above the relegation zone, played well in the first innings after Chris Miller's return of 4-34 saw Blackpool all out for a low score of 132.

However the hosts' batting problems continued in the second innings as Tom Jefferson’s return of 5-19 saw Kendal all out for 67 off 32.2 overs.

Kendal won the toss and elected to field, however Blackpool made a positive start on a difficult wicket after Matthew Houston and Dan Barling put on a first-wicket stand of 42.

However, a double bowling change that saw both Miller and Richard Dakin come into the attack had the desired effect when Houston picked out Miller off the bowling of Dakin.

Kendal continued to take wickets as Dakin bowled Tom Jefferson, while Miller trapped Andy Furniss LBW. Blackpool were in further trouble when Saeed Bariwala claimed the wicket of Stephen Twist, who was caught by Jason Dawes as Blackpool slumped onto 81-5.

There was a brief recovery by the visitors through the batting of Ben Howarth who top scored with 29 off 52 balls as Blackpool pushed onto 103. Kendal battled back when Miller picked up the wicket of Howarth who saw his attempted drive well taken by Bariwala, before Paul Danson was run out by Ben Phillips.

Kendal ripped through the lower order as Dawes bowled Tom Myerscough, before Miller completed his four-for after bowling both Jake Muncaster and Jamie Thomson as Blackpool were all out for 132.

In reply, Kendal made a steady start as Bariwala and Ryan Shepherd made just 13 for the first wicket.

However, from 13-0, Kendal lost two wickets in two balls when Jefferson bowled Shepherd before he trapped Phillips LBW as Kendal fell onto 13-2.

The visitors from that point dominated the innings as Thomson bowled McCaskie, leaving Kendal in a hole on 16-3.

Bariwala and Shane Hyland edged Kendal onto 38, however, Jefferson ripped through to bowl Bariwala before Kendal struggled onto 40-6 after Lachlan Stewart was run out.

Furniss trapped Edward Price LBW, while Miller fell to Jefferson as Kendal were on 45-8

Richard Dakin and Hyland dug in as Kendal struggled onto 65, however Blackpool finished the game off when Jefferson returned figures of 5-19 to dismiss Dakin who picked out Thomson before Thomson trapped Hyland LBW as Kendal were all out for 67 off 32.2 overs.

Hyland the top scorer with a steady knock of 30 off 72 balls.

Kendal travel to bottom of the table Lancaster on Saturday in a crucial game at the foot of the table.