AN OPENING day century by Simon Dutton proved to be the highlight for Bay Northern Premier League champions Netherfield they began their title defence with a draw at home to Fleetwood on Saturday.

Dutton made 107 not out and shared in a century stand for the third wicket with skipper Graham Clarke as they recovered from 12-2, with South African professional Pieter Strydom out for just 3, to reach 203-5.

When it was Netherfield's turn to bowl Scott Clement got among the Fleetwood wickets, taking 5-17 but the visitors battened down the hatches and hung on to avoid defeat at 69-8.

Kendal saw their hopes of a winning start dashed after dismissing Blackpool for just 112, with Pakistani paceman Kabir Khan taking two victims in successive balls and spinner Richard Ellwood contributing with three wickets.

But the Blackpool pro and opening bowler Marcus Sharp ripped through the Kendal batsmen, taking 7-16 and despite Kevin Howarth bid to put them back on track with an unbeaten 54, they were dismissed for 100.