RADCLIFFE ended their season with a whimper when consecutive defeats at the weekend consigned them to wooden spoonists in the Central Lancashire League writes Marc Higginson

The Racecourse side were hammered by both Milnrow and Werneth to end a sorry season in sad style.

However, Radcliffe chairman David Halliwell believes things aren't as bad as they may seem at first glance.

Halliwell said: "We shouldn't be too despondent because we have some very good young lads coming through.

"With no disrespect to (our professional) Gary Garner, he wasn't good enough this season but we just don't have the money at the moment to spend on a top notch pro.

"However, Phil Hayes, Steve Cheetham, Stuart Kelley and Toby McLean, among others, have never cried off and have come through the ranks to get into the first team.

"Unfortunately, we had some players at the start of the season who, once we started losing, left the club and they didn't realise that they were the ones who were contributing to our poor start.

"But, we have Liam Franklin, Matt Smalley, Umah Khan and Martin Coates, who all look good prospects.

"Umah is a tremendous prospect if he gets his head clear about which direction he wants to go in and Martin is only 15 but has had three 50's for the seconds and hits the ball as hard as anybody in the first team."

Garner isn't staying on next season and Halliwell admits he has 'some irons in the fire' as to Garner's replacement. Halliwell said: "We need another twelve months of keeping our belt tight but we're hoping to bring in a good pro and, maybe, an overseas amateur.

"We wanted to bring Travis Birt back but the lad has never looked back since he left us a few years ago and is now in the frame for the Aussie Test team. We just wouldn't be able to afford him."

Radcliffe took first knock at home to Milnrow and racked up 117 in just under 38 overs, Gareth Wolstencroft top scoring with a dogged 35.

Former New Zealand Test cricketer Paul Wiseman picked up four wickets for the Rochdale side before his side raced home with seven wickets in hand.

Stuart Kelley ended the season with a brace of wickets but Radcliffe's deficiencies were there for all to see. The following day, Werneth racked up 310-4, thanks to a superb 120 from paid man Heino Kuhn.

Radcliffe were then dismissed for 81, Stuart Moore taking 4-43.