NORTHOP HALL face a pivotal trip to Spring View with the Liverpool Competition Division Two promotion race entering the home straight.

The Flintshire outfit climbed into the promotion places last weekend when they knocked Old Xaverians off top spot courtesy of a three-wicket win.

With new leaders Caldy without a game this weekend, Hall, who are eight points off top, can seize the initiative ahead of next Saturday’s crunch clash with the Paton Field outfit.

Hall captain Dave Kennedy said: “It’s tense and this game at Spring View is really important because it will dictate what happens against Caldy next week. The aim is to beat Spring View and go into next weekend with a decent lead and then Caldy would have to go all out to beat us.

“But, we’ve got to win before we start thinking about Caldy.”

The challenge for Hall is reproducing the performance they put in against Old Xaverians at Dower House Farm this afternoon.

Josh Andrady (5-68) and James Hurlin (4-36) bowled Old Xaverians out for 140, before Alastair Andrady (43 not out) and Jack Billington (20no) helped Hall recover from 90 for seven to triumph.

“It was a great win,” said Kennedy. “We decided we’d bowl first on a dry wicket and got them all out for 140 after they were 93 for three.

“When we were 90 for seven I thought ‘we’ve had it here’ but the young lads batted really well. It was Alastair’s best knock for the club.

“It was a great team win and it was great to see everyone stick with it and get over the line.

“We are right in the middle of the promotion race now.”

Before the game, Hall all-rounder Hurlin was rewarded for his impress form with the league’s August player of the month award.

Hurlin followed in the footsteps of team mate Dan Clubbe, who won July’s prize, with Kennedy looking for three in a row.

“It would be great to get a hat-trick,” added Kennedy. “It’s a team effort for us, but it’s also nice to see individuals recognised for their achievements.”

Jac Kennedy and Jamie Griffiths return for Hall with Ed Markey and Jack Allen out.

Hall Seconds are in action today as they entertain Liverpool Seconds in Second XI Division One.