CRICKET spectators had to pin their colours to the mast at the weekend and it was a difficult decision to make.

Unlike the traditional format of avoiding a clash of the two local teams, this season's Northern Premier League fixtures see Netherfield and Kendal playing at home in the league on the same day SIX TIMES this season.

Those who chose to go to Kendal on Monday saw Terry Hunte, surely the finest servant in the club's history, notching up another landmark with his 31st century for them - and his second ton in successive matches.

League newcomers Barrow were on the receiving end of a 130-run thrashing as Hunte produced a vintage display for 117 and Pakistani professional Kabir Khan also got into the act with 100, enabling them to amass 279 for five off their full complement of 57 overs.

Barrow are finding the step up a grade a baptism of fire but must have felt their fortunes were changing when they had Kendal at 28 for 2 after 10 overs and then made a third breakthrough with the score on 52.

Any optimism was shattered by what followed as Hunte and Khan shared a run-laden fourth-wicket of 168 in 31 overs.

It was a partnership of contrasts with Hunte finding the gaps with his effortless-looking, daisy-cutting drives, while Khan was prepared to bide his time before launching a fusillade of hard-hitting, peppery shots.

When Barrow batted, it was Kendal's bright new prospects who led the charge with the ball, James Rafferty striking in his third over and teenage spinner Chris Miller also emerging with an early wicket.

In between the old heads' combined for the important dismissal of Barrow professional Rawl Lewis, caught Khan (4-31), bowled by Kevin Howarth, and Barrow slumped to 149 all out in 48 overs.

It was Kendal's turn to watch a big score pile up on Saturday as Lancaster pro Renier Munnik made an unbeaten 128 out out and David Heywood finished unbeaten on 97 out of a total of 277-2.

Strangely, Kendal then faced a defensive field but it did not stop Hunte making 104 not out as they drew the match at 189 for 5 in reply.