DAVENHAM are on course to finish in the same position as last season in the county league’s second tier, but can feel a greater sense of achievement from doing so.

Mark Greaves’ men have won more matches than in 2014 despite starting the season slowly.

The Butcher’s Stile outfit lost seven of their first nine matches in Division One this time around, leaving them occupying a place in the table’s relegation zone.

A gap to third-bottom Christleton was 31 points.

“It’s only when I look back now that I realise how badly we began,” said Greaves.

“31 points? That’s a lot to have made up in this division because it’s so competitive.

“It’s a strange one; there wasn’t a sense that we were in any trouble, and I had faith the players we have would be good enough to help get out of that situation.”

A thrashing in mid-June of Urmston, who could still be promoted this weekend, proved a catalyst.

It was the start of a sequence of four wins, which also included a derby success against neighbours Weaverham.

Greaves said: “That was definitely a turning point.

“I could feel the lads’ confidence grow.

“I was happy as well that everybody played a part. We’re not a team with a superstar we can rely on to dig us out of scrapes.

“Instead it’s a core of 15 or 16 guys who we’ve had to call on to chip in.”

If there is a star turn, then spinner Daniel Hancock is probably it.

Davenham’s vice-captain has taken 41 wickets this season, including a best return of 6-46 in a seven-wicket win against Oxton last month.

“Dan’s loving his cricket here,” said Greaves.

“He’s missed half-a-dozen games, so might have had 50 wickets by now. He doesn’t bowl long spells like other spinners do, but when he performs I’d say he’s one of the best at this level - no question.”

That victory against Oxton ensured survival with two games to spare.

After Davenham seconds were promoted as champions from their section, there is a sense of optimism around the club.

Greaves added: “When we reflect, it’s been a successful season.

“We feel established at this level now, and are thinking already about how we can improve.

“It was unusual for us to have a poor start, so if we can avoid a repeat there’s no reason why we can’t aim for the table’s top half.”