Cricket - Clement quits as skipper

10:37am Saturday 3rd May 2008

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SCOTT Clement resigned this week at Netherfield's first-team after Darwen shot them out in the Northern League on Saturday for 51 on the way to to inflicting a seven-wicket defeat in under 12 overs.

Clement told the Gazette: "Of all the 20 years that I've been playing cricket at junior and senior level, Saturday's debacle was the most embarrassing performance I've been involved in.

"People's attitudes are shocking and to put it bluntly some of the senior players need a good kick up the behind.

"There's a comfort zone in the side at present with no real competition for places and it's not good for the club.

"I felt let down last year with the Langveldt saga on and off the field and did not really want the captaincy again, but nobody else came forward at the player's meeting, so I agreed to carry on. But all the old stuff has started coming back and I've decided if I'm not enjoying it, then there's simply no point in doing the job.

"I want to carry on playing for the club - if selected - and will do my best to support Chris (Parry), who I wish well as the new skipper."

* KENDAL'S professional South African Ross McMillan made his mark on his Northern League debut, taking 4-31 in a 23-run win at Fleetwood.

Asked to bat, Kendal made 155-7 off the 50 overs.

Kevin Howarth shook off a stomatch bug that had laid him low all week to lead the run-scoring on 59 with Terry Hunte next best on 29.

The Kendal openers put on 76 in 24 overs, skipper Ikram Ullah (17) supporting Howarth as he pushed the scoring along.

McMillan chipped in with 17 before he was run out, and the last four wickets went for 10 runs, Mark Clinning taking 5-49. Fleetwood were all out for 132 in reply in the 40th over with A. Parker top-scoring on 49.

Professional N. Rupasinghe made 23 but McMillan bowled him in a purple patch as the home team wilted from 92-4 to 104-8.

* The Second XI matches were rained off.