Declarations of intent shown by ambitious Northop Hall
Skipper Ben Slater declared after 50 overs of last week's thumping 124-run win at St Helens Town, while 49 overs were completed when Hall called time on their innings in a 113-run triumph versus Norley Hall.
Slater admitted: 'It's one of those. You have got to give yourself enough chance to win the game.
'You have got to be brave to try and win a league.'
Plaudits must go to Hall's three frontline bowlers for helping the promotion push, with Paul Jenkins claiming 10 wickets in the last two weeks. Five apiece have gone the way of Carwyn Johnson and James Hurlin, but there remain other options should Hall require them, in the shape of the likes of Andrew Watkin, Matteo Evans-Ford and Jac Kennedy to name but a few.
Looking ahead to tomorrow's match-up, Slater added: 'They're a good team and they have got some potentially explosive batsmen up the order. With the spinners we have got, they are very experienced.'
It's a three-way battle between Hall, Ainsdale and Caldy for the promotion places - and the latter pair meet each other in a huge encounter tomorrow.
'There's eight games left now. If we win all eight, we go up,' said Slater, whose side are level on points with Ainsdale at the head of the rankings.
'We've just got to keep trying to win every game.'
Northop Hall Seconds are on their travels tomorrow to take on Liverpool Seconds.
It's been a testing month for Chirk in Shropshire League action.
Liam Walker's side have suffered five consecutive losses in Division One, but they will be aiming to bring this to a halt when they open August with tomorrow's home clash versus Shifnal Seconds.
In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds are away to Guilsfield Seconds.
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Shannon, though, has one regret about this long-awaited moment for his brother that underscores the twists and turns of life. On Wednesday, The Athletic reported that ESPN won't be bringing Shannon back to the network for his role on the popular "First Take" show - dumping the former tight end who was suspended since April, when a former romantic partner filed a civil suit that alleged sexual assault and battery, seeking $50 million in damages. The suit was recently settled out of court. Talk about tough timing. Shannon's big brother finally gets his Hall call ... while news emerges about his personal setback. "They did what they feel they needed to do and I'm at peace with that," Shannon said on Wednesday night on "The Nightcap" podcast he hosts with former NFL receiver Chad Johnson. "But I just wish thing could have waited until Monday because I hate the fact that I'm overshadowing my brother." Then again, it's a different type of fate. The timing is another element of the moment. Shannon needs not sweat it. Not now. Generations from now, the legacy of the Sharpe brothers reflected with their busts in Canton will reflect their impact as two of the greatest players who ever played pro football. And given the journey that includes Sterling's extended wait, a lot of peace comes with that. Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@ or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell On Bluesky:
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Declarations of intent shown by ambitious Northop Hall
Hall, who could go top of Division Two tomorrow with victory at home to Parkfield Liscard, have had plenty to declare of late. Skipper Ben Slater declared after 50 overs of last week's thumping 124-run win at St Helens Town, while 49 overs were completed when Hall called time on their innings in a 113-run triumph versus Norley Hall. Slater admitted: 'It's one of those. You have got to give yourself enough chance to win the game. 'You have got to be brave to try and win a league.' Plaudits must go to Hall's three frontline bowlers for helping the promotion push, with Paul Jenkins claiming 10 wickets in the last two weeks. Five apiece have gone the way of Carwyn Johnson and James Hurlin, but there remain other options should Hall require them, in the shape of the likes of Andrew Watkin, Matteo Evans-Ford and Jac Kennedy to name but a few. Looking ahead to tomorrow's match-up, Slater added: 'They're a good team and they have got some potentially explosive batsmen up the order. With the spinners we have got, they are very experienced.' It's a three-way battle between Hall, Ainsdale and Caldy for the promotion places - and the latter pair meet each other in a huge encounter tomorrow. 'There's eight games left now. If we win all eight, we go up,' said Slater, whose side are level on points with Ainsdale at the head of the rankings. 'We've just got to keep trying to win every game.' Northop Hall Seconds are on their travels tomorrow to take on Liverpool Seconds. It's been a testing month for Chirk in Shropshire League action. Liam Walker's side have suffered five consecutive losses in Division One, but they will be aiming to bring this to a halt when they open August with tomorrow's home clash versus Shifnal Seconds. In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds are away to Guilsfield Seconds.
Daily Mail
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