A NINE-wicket hammering by Blackpool in the Northern Premier League on Saturday led to a Kendal soul-searching session afterwards.

Too many impatient strokes batting and lack of creativity bowling were issues to focus on.

Inserted by the visitors, Kendal became drawn into personal duels instead of constructing partnerships as Kabir Khan top-scored on 48 out of an unremarkable 153 all out.

Blackpool match-winner Steve Croft, a product of the Lancashire CC Academy, combined an unbeaten 103 with 4-42.

But Kendal's tendency for a rush of blood at the crease helped Blackpool's cause after Gareth Ashburner went second ball without offering a stroke.

Initially Kendal recovered to reach 47 but then two wickets fell in two balls, Kevin Howarth (21) beaten by the pro for pace who then bowled Terry Hunte (24), coming down the crease.

Skipper Dave Fallows smashed a four and six in successive balls to take the score past 100 but was out caught at mid-on off a full toss on 18 - yet another unfulfilled effort by a Kendal bat and the innings tailed off.

Kendal's pace attack was unable to harness any variable bounce left in the wicket, which Croft had exploited for the visitors.

The only breakthrough came with a run-out by Stuart Parkin off an over-throw. Croft, who hit two sixes and 15 fours in his 103 off 118 balls, joined Martin Pickles (41) as they knocked off the target at 155-1 in 40 overs.