Despite Radcliffe Cricket Club slipping to their 16th defeat of the season in the Central Lancashire League on Sunday, captain Chris Berry was full of praise for star performer Jimmy Dickson.

The bowler was instrumental in limiting fourth-placed Crompton to 179 runs as he took six wickets for just 25 runs in his 14.3 overs. He also hit 15 not out as the Homer Street men managed just 78 in reply, losing by 101 runs.

“Jimmy is just short of 40 wickets for the season,” said Berry. “He’s been an absolute star for us this term.

“He’s a brilliant player and luckily enough we’ve managed to retain him for next season, which is great news for the club.

“He bowled really well, as did all the bowlers to be honest. He kept it tight in his first spell, and then he picked up five wickets in his second spell.”

“The batting has let us down. The pitch dried out for our innings which meant shots were being mistimed and the fielders were benefiting.

“The three top-order batsmen struggled and Dickson just stayed there. He showed the rest of us how it was done, by being patient.”

Radcliffe’s home match with Middleton was abandoned last Saturday due to rain.

They play their final two games of the season this weekend with a trip to local rivals Unsworth on Saturday, before visiting leaders Monton & Weaste on Sunday.