DAVENHAM must do the basics better in the field if they are to challenge the best teams in their division, according to captain Dan Hancock.

He told the Guardian the men from Butcher’s Stile would be higher in the table had they not dropped catches they ought to have taken.

However he hopes an impressive 97-run win against high-flying Oxton, who had won their previous four league games, last weekend can be a catalyst for an improved run of results.

“It’s given us a lift,” said Hancock.

“As captain, my belief in the boys is stronger after a performance like that.

“It’s been annoying not to have won one or two games that we ought to because we’ve been sloppy at getting simple things right.

“Our batting and bowling has been good, and we’ve been competitive in every game.

“But catching well is under our control – somebody having a blinder against you with bat or ball isn’t – and is an area in which we can improve.”

He saved praise for Ben Gough and Ryan Blackie, a late call-up after Dean Jackson suffered an injury, for their part in last Saturday’s success.

They shared all 10 wickets to fall between them, the former taking six.

A second win of the season in Cheshire County League Division One sent their side up to seventh in the table.

Hancock said: “That’s the best I’ve seen Ben bowl in ages.

“Ryan hadn’t played since last September either, and it was brilliant he was able to come in at short notice.

“You could see from the celebrations how much it meant to us, and with the seconds winning too then we were able to enjoy a first 50-point weekend of the season.

“I hope it can kick-start us.”

Davenham were sixth last season, their fourth in the second division, and won more matches – collecting more points as a result – to celebrate a best-ever finish for a club promoted to the county league for the first time in 2012.

Hancock would love a repeat, but stressed he isn’t studying the numbers.

“If we can break into the top five then that would represent us taking another step forward,” he said.

“We were close to doing that last year.

“However I’m more concerned with guys playing well every Saturday, and getting the most they can from their own game.

“Our position in the table will look after itself if they do.”