RADCLIFFE warmed up for the new cricket season with successive matches against Kearsley and Church and Oswaldtwistle.

But during a weekend on which the groundsman at the Racecourse performed miracles to get the games on, they suffered a double defeat on a slow, damp pitch.

They were beaten by 24 runs by Bolton League neighbours Kearsley before succumbing by four wickets to the Lancashire League men the following day.

It was a disappointing start, but Radcliffe’s Central Lancashire League campaign does not begin until Sunday when they entertain Royton in the opening fixture. Twenty four hours earlier they host neighbours Little Lever in a Lonsdale Trophy match.

Seam bowler Eddie Shah has returned to the club and is hoping to take the 44 wickets he requires to break the Radcliffe wicket-taking record and there are high hopes Anwar Ul-Haq can make a big impact in a side which will be captained by Richard Farnworth.

Spin bowler and batsman Paul Halliwell has also returned.

Radcliffe’s nets for nine to 1`6-year-olds take place on Mondays from 6pm to 7.30pm.