THE CAMPAIGN to regain the Northern League T20 crown began in style for Netherfield on Sunday as they recorded two convincing wins in their opening double header.

The first of the three qualifying days took place at Parkside Road, and Ben Barrow’s side made the most of home advantage to crush Barrow by 10 wickets then follow that up with a 72 run win over Penrith to put themselves in pole position in the race for a finals day spot.

A depleted Barrow side batted first in the opening game of the afternoon but were soon in trouble and the visitors were shot out for just 46 off 17.1 overs, Scott Clement claiming three wickets for just four runs.

And Netherfield wasted no time in their reply, the opening pair of Lewis Edge and Brad Earl knocking off the runs in just 3.2 overs, Edge top scoring with 33.

In the second game, the home side batted first and recovered from the early loss of Earl as Bevan Small and Edge posted an imposing second wicket stand of 89.

That stand laid the foundations for an imposing final total of 171-2, Small closing on an undefeated 85.

In reply, Penrith were never really in the hunt as Australian overseas amateur Joel Blain claimed four wickets for just 19 runs, the visitors closing on 99-9 to give Netherfield their second convincing win of the day.

However, Kendal’s Twenty-20 campaign began in defeat after they lost by four wickets at Garstang.

Wes Marshall got the Kendal innings off to a flying start as he blasted 45 off 25 balls.

However Garstang slowed the run rate down after Ian Walling claimed Marshall’s wicket.and Chris Miller’s side eventually posted 128-7.

In reply Kendal reduced Garstang to 38-2, but Dan Curwen’s knock of 24 and Danny Gilbert’s undefeated knock of 30 saw the hosts home in the last over.