NORTHOP HALL will go into their crunch Liverpool Competition Division Two home clash with Old Xaverians full of confidence.

The Flintshire side returned to winning ways last weekend as they beat Sutton (St Helens) by 84 runs, Hall posting 225 for four declared before bowling their opponents out for just 141.

That win, coupled with Skelmersdale’s withdrawal from the division, means that Hall are now up to second place in the table behind leaders Caldy.

Stand in skipper Dan Clubbe was delighted with his young side’s performance, saying: “It was a really impressive performance.

“I was delighted to go there and win as captain with a reasonably young side, everyone stood up especially after a tough first defeat the week before.”

With opener Alex Smith and captain Dave Kennedy missing, Ed Markey (81 not out) and James Hurlin (67) stepped up to the plate.

Unfortunately for Hall tomorrow’s clash with Old Xaverians could be Markey’s last for a while.

Clubbe explained: “Ed’s hitting it as well as ever, he’s kicking on when he gets himself in, and he’s a very destructive batsman once he gets going.

“It’s a shame that this is his last game before leaving for France.”

Hall were frustrated by the weather as their early season clash with Skelmersdale was abandoned, meaning the Flintshire side lose just five points.

The Smithy Lane outfit will now look to prove they deserve to be second in the table as Old Xaverians, 10 points back in third spot, pay a visit.

Clubbe will hand over the reins to returning skipper Kennedy, pictured, while Alex Smith, Josh Andrady and Ben Slater are available, although Hurlin is sidelined with a finger problem.

Hall’s second XI are also in action tomorrow afternoon as they make their way to Leigh Seconds.