RADCLIFFE Cricket Club captain Chris Berry believes his side will need to be at their very best when they host Heywood in the Wood Cup on Sunday.

The Homer Street men, who had lost their unbeaten start to the campaign with back-to-back defeats a fortnight ago, got back to winning ways in the Central Lancashire League last weekend when they took the bragging rights in a tightly contested local derby against Elton.

And despite losing to leaders Ashton in a Twenty20 tie on Sunday, Berry was pleased with a good overall team performance ahead of the visit of Kate and Bobby Cross.

“Everyone contributed this week, particularly the lower order batsman, in a league game that we really needed to win,” he said.

“Bobby and Kate are both in fine form but it’s not just about them.

“Heywood are a very good unit and are not third in the Premier Division for nothing.

“I’m expecting a very tough contest and we will have to be on top of our game.”

Despite making a slow start against Elton, the Homer Street men eventually ran out 20-run winners at the Racecourse ground to remain in third place in the Championship.

Opening pair Rashid Riaz and Usman Malik were dismissed cheaply and overseas Anwar Ul Haq also went for a duck before a half century from professional Raheel Majeed steadied the home side’s innings.

Top-scorer Majeed hit 75, Martyn Coates also added 43 before Berry (18), Jimmy Dixon (16 not out) and youngster Booth (14) also chipped in with crucial runs as the Homer Street men posted 189-9.

Saif Ur Rehman was Radcliffe’s best bowler taking 5-23 as Elton were out for 169 in reply. Professional Mahlangu was their top scorer with 44.

“The main priority was to get a decent score on the board and then bowl them out and we did that,” said Berry.

The Radcliffe skipper reserved praise for youngster Booth.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Jordan,” he said.

“You could almost say it was a match-winning performance from him.

“He came in at number 11 got some valuable runs and then their pro effectively threw his wicket away with Jordan taking a fantastic catch.

“At one point Elton looked like they might beat our total but he turned the game on its head before Saif then ripped through their lower batting order.”

Radcliffe were defeated in the Twenty20 against Ashton on Sunday and host Werneth in another Twenty20 on Saturday before Heywood visit the Racecourse on Sunday.