THE Racecoursemen suffered something of a reversal of fortune at the weekend, when the most rewarding aspect of their play - bowling - suffered dramatically, combined with a dramatic improvement in their batting, something they have been struggling with all season.

Unfortunately a happy medium was not reached and they had to make do with one point from a potential 10 a return that saw them drop to bottom of the table.

However, when they do perform to their potential with both bat and ball they are going to surprise teams.

On Sunday at Unsworth, Radcliffe batted first and were indebted to pro Gary Garner as he carried his bat for 101.

He was ably assisted by Phil Hayes, who stroked a hard-working 79 to see his side to 238-7 in their 50 overs.

Unsworth opening bowler Alan Badenhorst claimed 4-71.

In reply, Unsworth's batsman all chipped in to eat away at their target.

Paul Entwistle (49), Grant Rowley (67), Paul Manley (53*) and Stuart Barlow (34*) all played well as Radcliffe's bowling attack was peppered all over the Racecourse.

Paul Halliwell bowled well for his 3-91 but his teammates were largely disappointing. A day earlier, Royton had racked up 226-4 in their overs as visiting pro Neil Broom blasted 87 in new skipper Stuart Kelley's first game in charge.

Spinner Nick Kennedy took 2-53 and Phil Hayes and Toby McLean picked up a wicket each but they were powerless to stop their rivals setting a challenging target.

Radcliffe's batsmen all made solid starts but none of them went on to make the big score that was needed for victory.

And, Halliwell was left high and dry on 56 not out as Kelley's side were all back in the hut for 216.