
Gresford look to make it three out of three in big clash
While promotion would be the main aim, Knowles is quick to stress that it's not the be all and end all this summer.
'Promotion would be great, but we want to help new players come through and get experience,' he added.
'We feel that we have a very good bowling attack that is a balance with both pace and spin.'
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Knowles, who welcomes Danny Williams and Tom Crewe back into the line-up, said: 'Northop are the reigning champions, so we are always going to be cautious. We are just looking forward to having a good game!'
Hawarden Park and Halkyn have also won both of their matches. Park host Connah's Quay, while Halkyn go to leaders Llandudno. Mold face a long trek to Bangor Seconds and Pontblyddyn welcome Brymbo Seconds.
Other fixture: Dolgellau v Mochdre 2nds.
Division Two: Abergele v Corwen; Llanrwst v Marchwiel and Wrexham; Menai Bridge 2nds v Buckley; Pwllheli v Pontblyddyn 2nds; Ruthin v Carmel & District; St Asaph 2nds v Llay.
Division Three: Bersham v Llandudno 2nds; Bethesda 2nds v Hawarden Park 2nds; Buckley 2nds v Gwersyllt Park 2nds; Caernarfon v Abergele 2nds; Denbigh 2nds v Conwy 2nds; Mold 2nds v Gresford 2nds.
Division Four: Carmel & District 2nds v Hawarden Park 3rds; Bala v Llanrwst 2nds; Connah's Quay 2nds v Dolgellau 2nds; Halkyn 2nds v Ruthin 2nds; Marchwiel and Wrexham 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds; Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn v Brymbo 3rds.
Northop Hall are looking to get their Liverpool Competition season up and running away to Norley Hall tomorrow.
Ben Slater's side opened their summer with a 24-run loss to Ainsdale and the skipper said: 'I think if we had wickets in hand, we would have gone on to win. But, unfortunately, some relatively poor shot selection let us down.'
Paul Jenkins, James Hurlin and Carwyn Johnson impressed with the ball for Hall and looking ahead to tomorrow, Slater added: 'They're a strong team. They are always up and there or thereabouts. They're a team I think will be up there.
'These are the ones that end up being double-pointers come the end of the season. I think it's key for us. Once we get that first win, I feel we will be okay.'
Matty Jones is back in the Northop Hall ranks. Hall Seconds host Bootle Seconds.
In the Shropshire League, a first triumph is also the target for Chirk.
After a five-wicket loss to Wellington Seconds, Chirk are looking forward to tomorrow's trip to Broseley.
Chirk Seconds are at home to Whittington in Division Seven.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Northop Hall just one wicket away from another triumph
Ben Slater's side just couldn't quite snaffle the final Prescot & Odyssey wicket as they were forced to settle for a draw. The hosts batted out 63 overs in reaching 164 for nine (Shonak Harsh 91 not out, Carwyn Johnson 3-36, Paul Jenkins 3-56). Earlier, Finley Jenkins (53), Andrew Watkin (47) and James Hurlin (46) were the leading scorers in Hall's 213. Hall Seconds (Thomas Doggett 75, Sion Hellen 5-55, Robbie Edwards 4-40) managed to defeat Old Xaverians Seconds by 22 runs. Chirk's winless run in the Shropshire League continued with a 102-run outcome at Quatt Seconds. Jason Hibbert (69) was the chief contributor in Quatt's 201 for seven. Luke Gardner picked up 5-49 for Chirk, who were bowled out for 99 (Gareth Partridge 33). Meanwhile, Chirk Seconds (Dale Randall 42) lost out by 104 runs against Quatt Thirds (Nathan Hakeman 107 not out).

Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Northop Hall have been getting on with things in the field!
Hall swept into pole position with their 118-run outcome against Parkfield Liscard last time out and victory at Prescot & Odyssey tomorrow is likely to keep them in first place. Whatever happens during the closing portion of the campaign, Ben Slater's side won't be hanging around! 'It's kind of we bowl our overs really quickly now,' said Slater, who hopes to have a strong side at his disposal tomorrow. 'Last week, we bowled 65 overs in three hours and 10 minutes - it's a bit of a tactic of ours.' Another top showing from James Hurlin (pictured above) will be on the wishlist. In the last triumph, he struck 83 with the bat and then took a superb 6-27. Hall Seconds host Old Xaverians Seconds while Chirk just can't catch a break in Shropshire League action. On a tough run of defeats, Chirk will target a change in fortune for tomorrow's Division One clash away to Quatt Seconds. In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds are at home to Quatt Thirds.

Leader Live
05-08-2025
- Leader Live
Glamorgan call-up for talented Northop spinner Franco
Northop player Franco has been drafted into the squad after impressive performances for Glamorgan's Academy and second XI sides. Having first impressed the Glamorgan coaches while playing for Hawarden Park, left-arm spinner Franco was selected in the Glamorgan Academy last winter. After picking up wickets with his left-arm orthodox bowling for Wales National County and Glamorgan Seconds, he has been offered his first professional contract. He told the club's website on Monday: 'I am very excited to wear the Glamorgan shirt in the 50-over competition. Lots of nerves as well, but I am looking forward to getting out there in the field tomorrow. 'To be honest, my transition from playing club cricket in north Wales to now signing for Glamorgan has been very smooth, thanks to some great coaches in the setup. 'The likes of Darren (Darren Thomas), Claydes (Michael Clayden) and Sparky (Mark O'Leary), who have helped me through age-group cricket and second team cricket, Shawes (Adrian Shaw) and Watty (Steve Watkin) as well.' Glamorgan started the defence of their One Day Cup title against Hampshire at Neath Cricket Club today. They are back at Neath on Thursday for the meeting with Derbyshire.