RADCLIFFE Cricket Club chairman Louise Farley is praying an upturn in the weather can aid the first team’s bid for a top-eight spot in the Central Lancashire League.

The League is set to split in two next season and only the top half will play in the first division in 2013.

Despite a good run of form early in the campaign, recent abandonements have seen Radcliffe slip to seventh.

And their cause was not helped last weekend when Clifton professional Amil Perera ripped into their batting line-up to secure a 43-run triumph.

The Sri Lankan took an incredible nine wickets for just 32 runs in his 11 overs as Radcliffe were bowled out for 59.

With their other weekend game abandoned due to the rain, Farley says it is important to get a win against lowly Ashton this weekend.

But she admits the weather is causing the most concern with the new wicket – installed at a cost of £6,500 – not settling and draining well in its first season.

Farley said: “The weather is causing chaos at the minute and there’s no flow of games.

“We have two early abandonments rescheduled for the end of the season but many won’t be rearranged.

“We were on a good run before the abandonments, but now the winners of the toss are the likely winners of each game on damp wickets. It’s not good for spinners.

“Last weekend, we were destroyed by Clifton’s Perera but hopefully we will have better luck against Ashton.

“It’s a big year in the Central Lancashire League because of the split and it’s critical we finish in the top eight.” While the firsts slipped up against Clifton, the Twenty20 side won on Monday, edging a tight game against Monton & Weaste by 13 runs.

Player/coach Chris Berry was pleased with the win despite qualification for the knockout stage being out of reach.

The performance of teenagers Faisal Ali, Daniel Farley and Akhil Patel particularly impressed Berry as they gained some valuable first-team experience.

Berry said: “Mark (Robinson, captain) put out some youngsters to gain experience and they did well.

“Faisal hit 31 not out and took a wicket; he is 19 now and on the verge of stepping up.

“Akhil and Daniel are both 16 and will learn a lot playing at senior level.”

Berry is vice-captain of the second XI and is confident they can mount a serious title challenge this season.

The weather has restricted play for them, too, but they are handily placed with two thirds of the campaign remaining.

The seconds also take on Ashton this weekend aiming for five points.

l Radcliffe are hosting an under-11s festival of cricket on Sunday, starting at 10am. Any teams interested in taking part can contact Louise Farley on 07961 765461.

Also, head coach Ben Johnson is putting on a coaching masterclass for eight to 16-year-olds in the week commencing August 6. More details are available from Louise on the same number.