Latest news with #NorthopHall
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Sport
- 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
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Northop Hall are aiming to keep promotion push on course
Slater and his Northop Hall side are enjoying a fine season in Liverpool Competition action and they are well in the mix to secure promotion from Division Two. Looking to stretch their unbeaten run, Hall make the trip to Whitefield (Roby) tomorrow, while they were left frustrated last time out as their crunch top-of-the-table showdown with Caldy had to be abandoned. Skipper Slater said: 'We thought we had a chance of seeing where we were at, but unfortunately the rain came. 'We managed to get out for five-ish overs, but after that the heavens opened. I think it would have given us an idea of where we are at, so it was a bit disappointing.' Hall have experienced defeat on just one occasion so far this summer and they will be targeting a sixth success of the season at Whitefield, who are currently in ninth place. 'It's one of those,' admitted Slater, looking ahead to tomorrow. 'In this league, anyone can beat anyone. I think they're a relatively new team to the competition, but they've had a bit of a change in squad since last year.' Liam Evans-Ford is rewarded with his promising second team showings by stepping into the first XI once more. There are home comforts in store for Hall's second team tomorrow as they tackle Highfield. In the Shropshire League, Chirk will be aiming to maintain their promising run of form. There have been three wins in their last four encounters for Liam Walker's side, who will be looking for their fourth Division One triumph of the campaign as they welcome fourth-placed Cound. The upturn in outcomes has moved Chirk up into seventh position in the table and they will head into the encounter on the back of a 35-run success at home to Quatt Seconds. Ten overs were knocked off each innings and Chirk's effort in the middle produced 193 for seven. Captain Walker led the way with 86 from 87 deliveries, while opener Oliver Gough struck 58. Walker said: 'It was a good day. We batted well and we bowled well. 'Me and Ollie had a good partnership that set us on the way. We would have liked to kick on to 200-210, but we limped a bit at the end.' Quatt's reply ended on 158 for seven. Mark Shaw was the pick of the attack with three for 33, while there was a wicket apiece for Gough and Luke Gardner (pictured below). Looking ahead to tomorrow, Walker added: 'They have got a good side and they have got good players in their side. They will be strong batting, but we will take it as it comes. 'It's been good (three wins out of four). We never start well, to be honest.' Chirk Seconds are looking to bounce back from a 51-run reverse when they travel to Ludlow Thirds in Division Seven.
Leader Live
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Things are going so well for Northop Hall and Chirk sides
Following on from a testing start to the campaign, Chirk have picked up back-to-back triumphs in the Shropshire League. Meanwhile, Northop Hall are targeting promotion from Division Two of the Liverpool Competition and after losing out in their first contest of the summer, Ben Slater's side have triumphed in each of their match-ups since then. Last time out, it was a North Wales derby triumph for Hall in their meeting against Prestatyn. Paul Jenkins was on the money with a four for one return as Prestatyn were skittled for just 69. 'It was just job done in the end,' said captain Ben Slater. 'It was quite humid, so the ball was swinging early. But after 15 overs, that died down.' Northop Hall head to Stockport Trinity seeking to bag their fifth win on the bounce and keep them within sight of the promotion places. Slater is taking nothing for granted and he stressed: 'Southport Trinity will be a decent outfit. 'We have always had good competition when we've gone there. They do know how to win.' Matty Jones, who is enjoying a great season with the bat, returns to Northop Hall's line-up. Northop Hall Seconds will aim to make the most of home comforts as they tackle Spring View Seconds. A more settled side is playing its part in an upturn of fortunes for Chirk, who go to Shifnal Seconds tomorrow in Division One of the Shropshire League. 'It's two out of two and it's been two good games,' said skipper Liam Walker. 'We played really well on Saturday versus Frankton. 'We have bowled and fielded well in the last couple of weeks. Having a full side has certainly made a difference.' Looking to follow up wins over Oswestry and Frankton with another success, Walker added: 'I think Shifnal will be strong. They're always a decent side. They have got some good experience there and we are looking forward to it. We think we will be okay team wise.' Chirk Seconds host Quatt Thirds.
