KENDAL suffered their fourth consecutive defeat after losing by 9 wickets to league leaders Blackpool in what was the first game played at Stanley Park this season.

The Auld Greys batting continued to cause them huge problems after Steven Mercers first innings return of 5-33 saw Chris Millers team bowled out for 120 off 47.5 overs.

And with so little on the score board Sam Dutton’s undefeated knock of 70 off 72 balls and Ciaron Johnsons undefeated 26 off 54 saw Blackpool knock the runs off in just 25.1 overs after they closed on 121-1.

Kendal fielded a stronger team with the return of Saeed Bariwala and Richard Dakin, while second team Captain Paul Dodds were all included, with Terry Hunte retained in the starting 11.

However, Kendal who won the toss and elected to bat were soon in trouble after Darren Nightingale and Harry Lee were both dismissed by Matthew Grindley.

Grindley trapped Nightingale LBW for 2 before bowling Lee for 0 off just 4 balls with Kendal under pressure on 11-2.

Sri Lankan Professional Chalana Da Silva and Chris Miller attempted to recover the innings with Kendal edging their way onto 51.

Blackpool eventually seized full control when Joshua Boyne trapped Chris Miller LBW for 15, before Saeed Bariwala was run out for 5 by Ben Howarth.

Chalana Da Silva batted well following an impressive knock of 54 off 75 balls before he picked out Sam Dutton off the bowling of Steven Mercer.

The hosts showed why they were undefeated after they dismantled Kendal’s lower order with Terry Hunte dismissed by Matthew Siddall while Steven Mercer saw off Kuldeep Singh who was stumped by Howarth.

Mercer bowled superbly well as he ripped through Kendal dismissing Richard Dakin, Matthew Park and Toby Tyson with The Auld Greys all out for 120 off 47.5 overs.

Sam Dutton and Tomas King made a quick start in Blackpool’s run chase posting a first wicket stand of 44.

Chalana Da Silva broke the partnership after he claimed the wicket of King who was caught by Toby Tyson.

Blackpool raced to their victory target with Sam Dutton leading the way posting an undefeated 70 off 72 balls while Ciaron Johnson contributed scoring 26 off 54 balls with Blackpool closing on 121-1 off 25.1 overs.