JIMMY Dixon took his season’s tally of wickets to 14 from two matches as Radcliffe continued to bounce back from relegation.

The seam bowler tore through the Irlam line-up on Saturday, claiming 8-28 as the hosts were bowled out for 76.

And Radcliffe openers Michael Farley and Charlie Hamilton took just 16 overs to reach their target in the 10-wicket victory.

Dixon also took six wickets the previous weekend, when the club kicked off their campaign in Division Three of the Greater Manchester League with a seven-wicket win at home to Littleborough Lakeside.

It is a far cry from last season, when Radcliffe went down without a fight.

Martyn Coates, who endured a first campaign to forget as captain, said the secret of their successful start was not simply Dixon’s wickets.

“Jimmy has been unplayable, and has not really left us much to do in the second innings,” said the 27-year-old skipper.

“Getting off to a winning start has been a really nice feeling and there is certainly a much better vibe around the club now. That has not just come from winning games.

“We have pretty much the same squad, with the addition of a few former players – Dean Bowman, Liam Franklin and Mark Patten – who have committed to playing more this season.

“What I have tried hard to do is keep the players together over the winter, going out for a regular drink and creating a social scene at the club, which I think has created a better spirit.

“We had 20 players at the last training session, so I think that has had a positive effect.”

The “positive vibe” has spread throughout the club with the third XI also getting off to a winning start. They beat Thornham in the Third XI Cup in Sunday, with Jake Lockett and Ryan Williams both scoring half centuries.