25-04-2025
Northop Hall and Chirk to get cricket campaigns underway
It's the start of the Liverpool Competition for Hall tomorrow with their home clash versus Ainsdale. It has been a busy off-season at the Smithy Lane club, with a number of big acquisitions making the move to strengthen the ranks.
Reflecting on the preparations, captain Ben Slater said: 'We have recruited a lot of players again.
'Jac Kennedy is back from Northern. He's decided to come back to Northop Hall.
'We have got Paul Jenkins (pictured) from Colwyn Bay. He has over 1,200 wickets and it's a great addition.'
The capture of the pair is a real coup as Northop Hall look to hit the ground running.
Kennedy has spent the past three seasons at Northern, where he plundered 2,800 runs at the top of the order.
Previous captain Carwyn Johnson and Owen Skillander, from Hawarden Park, are other additions to the squad.
'We will take each game as it comes. We'll enjoy it as much as possible,' stressed Slater. 'We will see how it goes.'
Hall won't be taking tomorrow's opponents lightly and Slater added: 'Ainsdale have always been a strong side and they still are.
'We will play the game as it comes to us. We are hoping to get off to a winning start in the league.'
Northop Hall Seconds pay a visit to Ainsdale Seconds tomorrow.
Liam Walker is the new skipper at the helm as Chirk open their Shropshire League campaign tomorrow.
Walker, who has taken over the captaincy from Luke Gardner, will lead the team out for the Division One encounter at home to Wellington Seconds.
Last time out, Chirk claimed eight victories as they finished up eighth in Division One and sights will be set higher for the coming months.
In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds, still under the captaincy of Dale Randall, will begin their season away to Albrighton Seconds.
It's a busy weekend for Chester Boughton Hall.
In the Cheshire County League tomorrow, Hall visit Neston, while Jack Williams' side have a cup clash against Eccleshall on Sunday.
