ASTLEY and Tyldesley’s late-season revival has been just reward for the players’ attitude, says captain and pro Jimmy Cutt.

The Gin Pit men, who spent much of the season in bottom spot, have climbed to fifth bottom by winning their last three games.

With only four wins all season it represents a seismic shift in fortunes and one Cutt believes is down a collective effort.

“We have stuck together as a team,” he said.

“When we were bottom we didn’t fall out or argue, we just worked hard together to put it right.

“I stand by what I said a few weeks ago when we were bottom that, as a team, we are capable of being in the middle six in the league.

“If we win our last two games we will get into it – we’re only five points behind 10th place.

“We’ve got experienced players who are good enough to compete with anyone and young lads coming through with plenty of ability.

“I said when our players show what they are capable of we’ll start winning games, and that’s what’s happened.

“The big thing that’s changed in the last month is that we have started taking catches and taking the opportunity to win the game when it has come up. Before, at key moments, the game has been taken away from us, now we are capitalising on the opportunities that come our way.

“It’s been a collective team effort with everyone playing their part.

“One of two have done well like our overseas, Travis Wordsworth, who has hit two centuries in the last couple of weeks, Paul Bennett who has batted and bowled well and taken some crucial catches, and Jordan O’Malley who took 5-19 from 10 overs on Sunday, but I do like to think it is a collective effort.”

Cutt also says the prospect of two divisions next year has generated extra interest this year.

“We hope there are two divisions next year because you see the interest in the players when there is something to play for.”

Weekend fixtures

TOMORROW
Adlington v Little Hulton, Astley & Tyldesley v Darcy Lever, Atherton v Golborne, Blackrod v Walshaw, Elton v Worsley, Flixton v Daisy Hill, Lostock v Bury, Standish v Edgworth, Swinton Moorside v Winton.
SUNDAY
Cross Cup final: Bury v Edgworth (at Winton).