KENDAL are now just six points clear of relegation after losing by 77 runs at Fulwood and Broughton.

Kendal, who have now lost seven out of their last eight league games, failed with the bat again after they were bowled out in the second innings for 82 with Simon Kerrigan returning figures of 4-28.

Kuldeep Singh’s stunning first innings return of 8-36 proved to be the only highlight for Kendal after they bowled Fulwood and Broughton out for 159 off 48.5 overs.

Matthew Smith's top score of 51 and Euan Fletcher's knock of 50 guided the hosts to a relatively competitive score on an otherwise difficult afternoon for Chris Miller's team.

After losing the toss and being put into field Kendal made the best possible start after Singh picked up the wicket of Mark Smith, who was caught behind by Tom Benn.

Euan Fletcher and Matthew Smith guided Fulwood on to 96, before Singh claimed two quick wickets in the 32nd over when he dismissed Smith and Fletcher.

Singh, who was in imperious form, trapped Simon Kerrigan LBW, while South African professional Wes Marshall, who played his last game for the club, dismissed Ryan Worthington, who was caught by Ryan Shepherd.

Kuldeep Singh claimed his fifth wicket following the dismissal of Joe Fenton, who was caught by Ben Phillips, before closing on a stunning return of 8-36 when he bowled Richard Turner and Dominic Jackson.

Marshall bowled Lewis Dingle with Fulwood and Broughton all out for 159 off 48.5 overs.

Kendal made the worst possible start in their reply when Marshall’s last game for Kendal ended in dramatic fashion when he was bowled by Joe Fenton in the third over.

And The Auld Greys' batting issues came to the fore once again after Fenton claimed the wicket of Saeed Bariwala, while Benn and Phillips were despatched by Simon Kerrigan.

Ryan Shepherd scored 11 before being bowled by Lewis Dingle, while Saif Vohra was run out by Euan Fletcher.

David Batty, who impressed with a top score of 26, saw his innings come to an end after he was trapped LBW by Kerrigan.

Kerrigan claimed his fourth when the former Lancashire player saw off Miller before Dominic Jackson dismissed Singh with Kendal all out for 82 off 32.4 overs.

Kendal now face a crucial game at bottom-of-the-table Barrow on Saturday in a must-win game for Chris Miller's team as they attempt to pull away from relegation trouble.

The Auld Greys will also have to acquire the services of a sub professional following the departure of Marshall, who returns to South Africa after being called up for his state team.