NORTHOP HALL have their eyes on the Liverpool Competition Division Two top spot as Spring View visit Smithy Lane on Saturday.

A memorable one-run success over Southport Trinity moved Hall to within 16 points of leaders Caldy, who are without a game this weekend.

Victory over mid-table Spring View would be enough to send Hall to the summit, something captain Dave Kennedy is targeting.

"It would be nice. Very nice," said Kennedy when the idea of finishing the weekend at the top of the table was put to him.

"We will wait and see though. It's our game in hand, but Spring View are a pretty decent outfit."

Hall have a shot at top spot thanks to a crucial success over Southport Trinity, who were bowled out for 105 in reply to Hall's earlier 106.

"I didn't think we would win the game all day until we actually did," said a relieved Kennedy. "It was definitely a game we would have lost, or even tied, last season.

"It was really good to get the win and it came about because all of the lads were fighting for the points. It was great to finish on the right side of such a narrow result."

Jack Billington's 27 at number eight and some impressive bowling from Dan Clubbe (4-42), James Hurlin (3-28), Jamie Griffiths (2-17) and Josh Andrady (1-10) caught Kennedy's eye.

On 15-year-old Billington, Kennedy said: "He went in with no fear and hit their pro back over his head for six, we couldn't believe it.

"He played his shots and produced a really good knock when we needed it."

Switching his attention to his four-man bowling attack, Kennedy added: "They all performed really well. They kept chipping away and chipping away and got their rewards."

Kennedy would, however, enjoy a more comfortable afternoon tomorrow.

He said: "It's a young side, an inexperienced side, but one that is fighting for each other.

"Hopefully we can get another win on the board against Spring View."

Hall's batting line up is strengthened by the return of Alex Smith and Ben Slater.