A DRAMATIC batting collapse consigned Kendal to a heavy Northern League defeat at Blackpool on Saturday.
The Auld Greys had initially made an imposing start when professional Wes Marshall and Saeed Bariwala posted a first wicket stand of 52.
But then wickets tumbled and the visitors posted just 20 more runs to subside to 72 all out, a total that predictably proved no problem for the reigning champions who cantered to an eight wicket victory.
And it was substitute professional Daryn Smit who did the damage, the South African claiming five wickets and then slamming an unbeaten 46 to see his side home with eight wickets to spare.
His partner in crime was Matthew Siddall, who also bagged a five wicket haul as the visiting line up was dismantled.
It was a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Kendal after skipper Chris Miller’s decision to bat after winning the toss had appeared a sound one as the opening pair saw off the opening attack of Matthew Grindley and Jamie Thomson.
But once Blackpool captain Paul Danson threw Siddall and Smit into the attack, things quickly slipped downhill for the Auld Greys.
Siddall began the rot, claimed the wicket of Bariwala who was stumped by Craig Brown.
The same bowler then saw off both Ryan Shepherd and Ben Phillips in quick succession and after Smit trapped Chris Marshall lbw, Brown claimed his second stumping to end Wes Marshall’s resistance.
Smit then took over, reeling off the wickets of Edward Price, Oliver Tyson, Saif Vohra and Toby Tyson to wrap up the visitors’ innings in just 25.4 overs.
Kendal started well in reply after Wes Marshall bowled Cumberland man Sam Dutton while Miller picked up the wicket of Ciaron Johnson who picked out Marshall.
But with little to bowl at, it was always going to be mere consolation as Smit and Matthew Houston eased the Stanley Park men to victory in 19.3 overs.
Kendal hope to return to winning ways when they travel to struggling St Annes on Saturday.
There was better luck for Kendal seconds who defeated Vernon Carus seconds by 5 wickets in a Palace Shield clash at Shap Road.
Two wickets apiece by Harry Lee and Alec Carradus saw the visitors restricted to 149-6 and in reply, Oliver Killiner’s undefeated 38 and Shane Hyland’s 30 helped the home side to a five wicket win.
Kendal, who entertain Fleetwood seconds on Saturday, have also qualified for the next stage of the Palace Shield T20 competition following a resounding 82 run victory at Grimsargh.