RADCLIFFE skipper Michael Farley says his side clicked in an 84-run victory over title rivals Elton Vale that ensured they retained their place at the top of Division Three in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

It was the first match Farley believes all departments – batting, bowling and fielding – fired on all cylinders, despite Radcliffe having won six of their nine fixtures so far.

Opener Farley set the tone with a half-century, hitting 10 fours in his 57, and the home side went on to post 232-8 from their 45 overs.

Elton Vale’s Mohammed Sajid put in a great individual effort, taking 4-46 before scoring 69, but his team-mates were unable to cope with Radcliffe’s bowling attack.

Adam Sajewicz was the pick of the Radcliffe bowlers, with 4-52, as they dismissed their fifth-placed opponents for 148.

“It was the first game of the season that everything just clicked,” said Farley, who was particularly pleased with his side’s batting display, as six players reached double figures.

“Believe it or not, but it was the first time in more than two years the club had scored more than 200 runs in an innings.

“And we backed that up in the field. All aspects of our game just clicked into place against a very good Elton Vale side.”

Charlie Hamilton made 41 and Dene Bowman added 24 in 27 balls to build on the skipper’s knock. And the wickets were shared between five bowlers.

Farley added: “Sajid looked a really good player for them, but if we can repeat that form all season I don’t think any team can live with us.”