WHILE the bowlers have taken much of the plaudits over recent weeks, Liverpool Competition promotion chasers Northop Hall have moved to bolster their batting ranks.

Hall are fourth in Division Two ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Ainsdale.

Bowlers have not allowed opposition teams to reach 70 over the last two weeks, including dismissing Wavertree for just 65 last time out.

Skipper Ben Slater said: “Another great win last week with the bowlers leading the way.

“We’ve got another tough game against Ainsdale this weekend, but we now have the addition of Alex Smith and Mike Williamson to the squad, which helps strengthen the batting.”

Northop Hall seconds travel to Whitefield (Roby) seconds tomorrow.

In the Shropshire League, Chirk are looking to return to winning ways tomorrow away to Worfield seconds.

They suffered an eight-wicket loss to Bomere Heath last time out and they’ll be looking for better fortune at eighth-placed Worfield.

Captain Luke Gardner (pictured) admitted: “Bomere Heath showed why they are fighting to get promoted this year.

“My lads played as well as they could, but ultimately, were beaten by a better team.”

This week, Andrew Swarbrick is back for Chirk, but that is tempered by the unavailability of experienced duo Gareth Partridge and Nick Flack.

Division Seven front-runners Chirk seconds host Acton Reynald tomorrow.