Battle of the top-two as Northop Hall tackle Ainsdale
Both sides have mainly been dealing in triumphs this season and of their combined 24 games, 19 of them have resulted in wins. Only three of them have been defeats, so there will be little to choose between the high-flying rivals.
'I would probably say it's a mustn't lose game,' said Northop Hall skipper Ben Slater. 'It will be a good game.'
It's a three-way race for the two promotion spots. Ainsdale find themselves 21 points clear of Hall, who are just five points ahead of third-placed Caldy.
Caldy suffered a four-wicket loss to Prescot & Odyssey last time out to drop out of the promotion places.
'To be fair to them (Caldy), they have had a good run,' added Slater.
'I think that was their first defeat. You're never going to go a full season without losing a game.'
Meanwhile, Hall go into the match on the back of a thumping 113-run win over Norley Hall.
Jac Kennedy (61), Slater (55 not out) and Andrew Watkin (42) made valuable contribution's in Hall's 235 for four declared in 49 overs.
The bowlers were tasked with finishing off the job and they did so in style to dismiss the visitors for 122. Not for the first time this season, the bulk of the plaudits went the way of Paul Jenkins with his six for 34 return.
Slater, who heralded another 'bowling masterclass' from Jenkins, added: 'We batted really well as a team. Andy and Jac added 99 for the first wicket.
'That makes the game miles easier for those coming in afterwards.'
Matteo Evans-Ford and Liam Evans-Ford will be added to the Northop Hall side.
Northop Hall Seconds will look to make the most of home comforts as they entertain Ainsdale Seconds.
Chirk have strengthened their ranks ahead of a free weekend of action in the Shropshire League.
They have secured the services of Matty Lawrenson, from North Wales League Marchwiel and Wrexham. Lawrenson is a talented bowling all-rounder and is sure to bring energy, control and valuable experience to the squad.
In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds pay a visit to Whittington.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Fulham readying bid for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as Chelsea set to flog SIX outcasts to meet Uefa restrictions
Chelsea are looking at making some new additions too DEW A CHANGE Fulham readying bid for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as Chelsea set to flog SIX outcasts to meet Uefa restrictions FULHAM are interested in Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The Cottagers are preparing an approach to take the midfielder on loan with a view to a permanent move. Advertisement 4 Fulham are interested in signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea Credit: Getty 4 Dewsbury-Hall struggled for minutes in the league last season Dewsbury-Hall, 26, has struggled for Premier League minutes following a £30million move from Leicester last summer. Fulham also remain in talks with Arsenal over a move for Reiss Nelson, who came off the bench against AC Milan in the Gunners' Singapore friendly. Dewsbury-Hall is not the only Chelsea man attracting interest. Atletico Madrid are closing in on a deal to take Renato Veiga to Spain. Advertisement The Blues are ready to sell the Portuguese midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Juventus. Chelsea want around £35million for the man who arrived from Basel for £11.7m last summer. Veiga, who made 18 Chelsea appearances last season, has made it clear he wants to make the move to Madrid. Atletico, however, are trying to negotiate the Blues down to £25m. Advertisement 4 Renato Veiga could be on his way to Atletico Madrid Credit: Alamy CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The two clubs have a close relationship, with Conor Gallagher having moved from London to the Spanish club last summer and Joao Felix going the other way. Felix himself is moving closer to an exit back to former club Benfica. Advertisement Topless hakas and wild celebrations - how rugby legend is bringing winning culture to Chelsea's billion pound youngsters Carney Chukwuemeka is another expected to leave having spent last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund. The midfielder is keen on another loan with the German club, though Chelsea would prefer a sale. RB Leipzig, who the Blues are speaking to about a deal for Xavi Simons, are interested and talks are ongoing. The Blues are in need of a summer sale in order to meet Uefa restrictions and register players for next season's Champions League. Advertisement Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all also expected to be sold. 4 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Battle of the top-two as Northop Hall tackle Ainsdale
There's a major battle of the top-two in store and it is sure to go a long way to deciding who will eventually take the title. Northop Hall, now up to second in the rankings, are excited for their trip to league leaders Ainsdale. Both sides have mainly been dealing in triumphs this season and of their combined 24 games, 19 of them have resulted in wins. Only three of them have been defeats, so there will be little to choose between the high-flying rivals. 'I would probably say it's a mustn't lose game,' said Northop Hall skipper Ben Slater. 'It will be a good game.' It's a three-way race for the two promotion spots. Ainsdale find themselves 21 points clear of Hall, who are just five points ahead of third-placed Caldy. Caldy suffered a four-wicket loss to Prescot & Odyssey last time out to drop out of the promotion places. 'To be fair to them (Caldy), they have had a good run,' added Slater. 'I think that was their first defeat. You're never going to go a full season without losing a game.' Meanwhile, Hall go into the match on the back of a thumping 113-run win over Norley Hall. Jac Kennedy (61), Slater (55 not out) and Andrew Watkin (42) made valuable contribution's in Hall's 235 for four declared in 49 overs. The bowlers were tasked with finishing off the job and they did so in style to dismiss the visitors for 122. Not for the first time this season, the bulk of the plaudits went the way of Paul Jenkins with his six for 34 return. Slater, who heralded another 'bowling masterclass' from Jenkins, added: 'We batted really well as a team. Andy and Jac added 99 for the first wicket. 'That makes the game miles easier for those coming in afterwards.' Matteo Evans-Ford and Liam Evans-Ford will be added to the Northop Hall side. Northop Hall Seconds will look to make the most of home comforts as they entertain Ainsdale Seconds. Chirk have strengthened their ranks ahead of a free weekend of action in the Shropshire League. They have secured the services of Matty Lawrenson, from North Wales League Marchwiel and Wrexham. Lawrenson is a talented bowling all-rounder and is sure to bring energy, control and valuable experience to the squad. In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds pay a visit to Whittington.
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Leader Live
Northop Hall must be wary of seam in another big clash
Hall are within sight of the top-two in Division Two of the Liverpool Competition and victory at home to Norley Hall tomorrow will keep them well in the mix to go up. Skipper Ben Slater is anticipating another tough test and he said: 'They're a good opposition. 'They have probably got the best seam attack in the league. As always, it's take every game as it comes.' It turned out to be a dramatic weekend last time out, with Ainsdale and Caldy - the leading two sides in the division - playing out a draw. This meant Northop Hall's 104-run thrashing of Parkfield Liscard moved them to within just 15 points of those promotion positions. Reflecting firstly on the lofty draw, Slater said: 'They were both obviously ahead of us. It means that gap is now down to 15-20 points. We play one of them in two weeks' time.' Meanwhile, Slater's decision to declare on 197 for nine appears a brave one - but there was a reason for this. 'Obviously, it was a good performance at the weekend,' he added. 'It's one of those. If you go past 55 overs, you lose your bonus points. We had four.' Northop Hall Seconds are away to Bootle Seconds tomorrow. Things remain tough for Chirk in the Shropshire League. Liam Walker's side have suffered three Division One defeats on the bounce and they will be aiming for a more positive outcome from tomorrow's trip to Wellington Seconds. In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds have home advantage against Albrighton Seconds. Chester Boughton Hall will be putting on their Sunday best when Filkins Lane hosts the National County Cricket Association's T20 final this weekend. Shropshire will face Dorset in Sunday's 50-over contest and Cheshire are pleased to play host to what promises to be a thrilling final. The game gets underway at 11am with 50 overs per side and tickets cost £14.
