BRAD Earl's first innings knock of 56 and Seth Rance's second innings return of 5-42 proved to be in vein as Netherfield lost by two wickets to Blackpool in the opening game of the Northern Premier Cricket League Season.

Netherfield gave debuts to the Morecambe pair of Josh Dixon and Lewis Edge, while New Zealand all rounder Seth Rance deputised as sub professional while the club awaits for the arrival of paid man Obus Pienaar.

After winning the toss and electing to bat Ben Barrow and Earl made a positive start as the pair put on a first wicket stand of 60.

Both openers looked in good touch however Blackpool broke the partnership when Barrow picked out Chris Baines off the bowling of sub professional Ockert Erasmus.

Once the first wicket fell Blackpool began to take control as Earl was stumped by Ben Howarth off the bowling of Joshua Boyne, before debutant Dixon was bowled for 13 by Richard Gleeson.

Gleeson went onto dismiss Lewis Edge and Oliver Hill as Netherfield were reduced to 108-5, before The Field fell further behind when Erasmus clean bowled Rance for 10.

The gloom continued to descend over Parkside Road as Lewis Richardson was run out while Erasmus dismissed Joe Portman who was caught behind by Ben Howarth before the south African caught and bowled Nathan Chambers. Erasmus finished with a return of 5-27 after claiming the wicket of Marc Hadwin who picked out Boyne as Netherfield were all out for 145 off 42.4 overs.

In Blackpool’s reply Netherfield made a strong start to dismiss both Matthew Houston and Tom Jefferson, as Rance bowled Houston before Jefferson was run out as Blackpool were struggling on 24-2.

However Ciaron Johnson and Erasmus steadied the innings as Blackpool pushed onto 89, Netherfield though turned the game in their favour when Rance trapped Erasmus LBW before clean bowling Boyne as the visitors were in trouble on 89-4.

Blackpool edged their way onto 101, however Netherfield again battled back to take two quick wickets as Rance bowled Furniss and Richard Gleeson.

Netherfield scented victory when Chambers bowled Ciaron Johnson, who top scored with 47 off 90 balls, before Jake Muncaster was stumped for 3 by Lewis Edge as Chambers claimed his second wicket.

However Blackpool’s last pair of Ben Howarth and Paul Danson frustrated the Netherfield attack as they guided their team to victory with Blackpool closing on 146-8 off 47.3 overs.

Netherfield travel to Lancaster on Saturday as they aim to bounce back.