EFFECTS of last season’s relegation continue to dog the Radcliffe players despite an upsurge in form sending them top of Division Three in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Their winning run under new captain Michael Farley ended at title rivals Swinton Moorside seconds last weekend.

The batting frailties that undermined Radcliffe last season, when they finished bottom of Division Two, resurfaced as they slumped to 142 all out on Saturday.

Farley was one of only three batsmen to make it into double figures, opening the innings with 64 before wicketkeeper Chris Berry made 11 and star bowler Jimmy Dixon swelled their total with an unbeaten 23 after coming in at number 10.

“Believe it or not but the lads are still low on confidence,” said Farley.

“We have some very talented batsmen here, but once again we have failed to post a total for our bowlers to defend.

“In Jimmy Dixon we have the best bowler outside of the Premier Division.

“And with support from people like Saj (Adam Sajewicz) I would put money on us bowling out any side.

“But we have to give them a total to defend.

“Our aim is to win promotion, and we certainly have the ability to do that, but we won’t if we cannot get over this mental block.

“There is a nervousness when a wicket goes down that spreads around the dressing room. It is my job to create an atmosphere where there is no fear.

“I have told the lads to go out there, enjoy themselves and show what they can do, but that message has been a little slow to get through.”