NORTHOP HALL skipper Ben Slater hopes he has found the ideal opening partnership to boost his side’s push up the table in Division Two of the Liverpool Competition.

Bowlers continue to display their run of good form and “We’ve found our best opening partnership in James Hurlin and Andrew Watkin,” said Slater after Watkin (55) and Hurlin (26) guided Hall to an eight wicket win last weekend.

“We’re looking for our bowlers to continue to display their run of good form so we can pick up another win.”

Matteo Evans-Ford returns to the side for tomorrow’s home game with Southport Trinity following a short trip to Australia.

There’s a fourth against fifth clash in Division One of the Shropshire League as Chirk travel to Newport.

Luke Gardner’s Chirk are 58 points behind leaders Bomere Heath heading into the halfway point of the season.

But Gardner is looking at the bigger picture at the club.

“We have always talked about a third team that’s very much a children and parents team,” said Gardner. “Youngsters get that slow introduction into cricket with people they know. If we have got a balance there, that would be great.

“First team in Division One or Premier, Seconds in Division Three/Four and that child and parent team in Division Seven.

“Our youth team at the minute is very strong. It’s the best we’ve ever had.

“Now the ambition of ours is getting the second team going up those divisions.”