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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.
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Home comforts are in store for Northop Hall and Chirk
Hall are now up and running on the back of their six-wicket win over Norley Hall and they will be looking to back this up during tomorrow's home Division Two encounter against Prescot & Odyssey. Skipper Ben Slater said: 'We have been training hard during the week. We have been training twice during the week. 'I don't think many other clubs train twice a week. I think it makes it miles easier to get that first win.' Following on from their opening day defeat at the hands of Ainsdale, it was critical that Northop Hall secured a positive outcome from their meeting versus Norley Hall. 'Paul Jenkins and James Hurlin led the attack well, taking all 10 wickets between them,' added Slater. Experienced Jenkins finished up with a superb seven for 73 haul and he has claimed 11 wickets in the league since joining up with the club ahead of the campaign. Asked if it was a case of just throwing the ball to Jenkins for lengthy spells each week, Slater admitted: 'Probably not every game. 'The wicket, when we reviewed it, we looked at their squad and we played to our strengths. 'We knew last year the spinners did well. I lost the toss and they were going really well on 120 for two off 25 overs, and the spinners pulled it back.' Hall required a good partnership to make the chase a straight-forward one and this was supplied by Jac Kennedy (56) and Matthew Jones (57 not out), who put on 87 for the second wicket. 'Matty Jones and Jac Kennedy starred with the bat,' said Slater. 'They're our two strongest players in terms of the batting. 'I don't like to set targets (for them)! You don't know what sort of wickets you'll play on or the weather.' Tomorrow's clash with Prescot & Odyssey is something of a revenge mission for Hall. 'We lost to them in the cup, unfortunately,' added Slater. 'But, in the league, I think it will be slightly different, because there's no limitations on the bowlers.' Northop Hall Seconds are seeking their first victory of the season and they'll be hoping this arrives away to Old Xaverians Seconds tomorrow. It's been something of a stop-start opening to the Shropshire League campaign for Chirk. Liam Walker's charges began their season with last month's five-wicket defeat to Wellington Seconds, while they were meant to take on Broseley last time out. However, the Broseley club has folded and all attention from Chirk now turns to tomorrow's Division One meeting at home to Newport. Walker, who hopes to have Mark Shaw available tomorrow, said: 'We didn't quite bat to our full potential against Wellington. 'We just needed to bat the overs, really. The boys have been netting well and we're just trying to get everyone out. 'We just need batsmen to bat the overs and be a bit more selfish.' In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds are on their travels to Harcourt.
Leader Live
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Gresford look to make it three out of three in big clash
Relegated from the Premier Division last summer, Gresford have opened their Division One tilt with back-to-back triumphs. Next up is tomorrow's home clash with last season's champions Northop Seconds. Skipper Josh Knowles said: 'It's been a good start to the season, getting two wins from two. We have managed to get a consistent squad out, which is always a positive.' 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.
Leader Live
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
No opening day joy for Chirk and Northop Hall outfits
In the Shropshire League, Chirk opened their Division One tilt with a five-wicket home defeat at the hands of Wellington Seconds. Chirk skipper Liam Walker elected to bat first after winning the toss and his side was all out for 148 in 34 overs. This tally was boosted by 42 extras, while Aled King top scored with 22. A knock of 48 from Henry Morris helped Wellington to a winning 149 for five, as Chirk also shipped 42 extras. There were two wickets apiece for Oliver Gough and Nitish Sharma. Chirk Seconds lost out by eight wickets to Albrighton Seconds. In the Liverpool Competition, Northop Hall suffered a 24-run reverse at home to Ainsdale. Daniel Fitzpatrick' 90 formed the backbone of Ainsdale's patient 192 for seven declared (Paul Jenkins 4-71, James Hurlin 3-41). Despite a knock of 72 from skipper Ben Slater, Hall's response was ended on 168 (Dilanka Auwardt 5-79). Northop Hall Seconds were on the wrong end of a 71-run outcome away to Ainsdale Seconds. Michael Williamson (64) top scored for the visitors.
Leader Live
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
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.
