THE Greater Manchester League tables give an interesting insight into the impetus the new structure has given to our local sides.

From the Premier Division right down to Division Four West, there are local clubs riding high in every division.

Woodbank have hit upon a strategy that works for them, pulling together some of most talented cricketers in the area to give themselves a genuine chance at the Premier Division title.

They have a spirit in the squad that reminds me of the Greenmount treble-winning side.

All the lads stick around in the bar after a game and all go out together outside of cricket. That kind of camaraderie is the key to making a successful side and while my team beat them in the T20 last weekend, you could see what a good unit they have become.

Another key to building up dressing room spirit is winning games, which breeds its own momentum, and you can see how local sides throughout the divisions are benefiting from that at the moment.

There is no way in the world Greenmount wanted to be relegated last season, but we have gone about rekindling that sense of unity you need and are now reaping our rewards at the top of Division One. That process of rebuilding might not have happened if we had not dropped down a level, but the young lads we have assembled are thriving because they are winning games, and long may that continue.

Elton, in Division Two, also look to be building a bit of momentum. They are a proud club used to winning things in the Bolton Association for many years. No doubt dropping down a level last season will have stung them too but they are looking good again, as are Division Three leaders Radcliffe, who are fighting back after a few barren years.

Then there are the smaller clubs who have been given a new lease of life.

It was always difficult for clubs like Brooksbottom, in my home village of Summerseat, to compete in the old league structures, but they are more than holding their own at the top end of Division Two.

I also spoke with Paul Meehan at Tottington St Johns the other week and as a club they look to be really going places. They have invested in new facilities, but have also built up a strong junior set-up and a new women’s team. That work is paying off in the first team. They are second in Division Four West and I know the aim is to win promotion.

The possibility of rising up the leagues has given the whole club something to aim for, and while I know it will not be easy, who is to say they won’t be competing with the big boys in the future?