CHIRK’S Shropshire League Division Two title hopes were dealt a blow as Sentinel Seconds secured a surprise three-wicket away win.

Andrew Swarbrick’s men went into the clash a point clear at the summit, but found themselves in second at the end of the day as Wellington Seconds climbed back to the top.

Chirk found the going tough with the bat as they were bowled out for just 121 inside 41 overs, Nick Flack (16) and Shaun Walker (15) the only members of the top seven to reach double figures.

Having slipped to 47 for six, Frank Macdonald-Brown (24 not out) and Billy Swarbrick (24) combined to help give their bowlers something to defend.

Flack (3-7), Luke Gardner (2-19) and Macdonald-Brown (2-42) gave Chirk a chance of victory, but Owen Morris (32) and Russell Morris (22no) helped Sentinel over the line.

Wellington Seconds opened up a 15-point gap at the top of the table as they posted 257 for five, before bowling Wroxeter and Uppington out for 149 to claim a 108-run success.

Northop Hall climbed into the top half of the Liverpool Competition Division One table courtesy of an eight-wicket success at Ainsdale.

The damage was done with the ball by Hall, who skittled Ainsdale for just 69, with James Hurlin (4-26), Enamul Haque (3-5) and Ryan Dunning (3-8) combining impressively.

Hall cruised to 72 for two in reply inside nine overs as Ben Slater struck an unbeaten 42, which included five fours and two sixes.

The success moved Hall above Ainsdale in the table and to within seven points of Sefton Park in fifth.

Hall Seconds, meanwhile, had to dig deep to record a losing draw at home against St Helens Town Seconds.

The visitors were able to post 231 for five courtesy of Simon Brown's unbeaten 102, a total that proved out of Hall's reach.

But the Flintshire side were not going to surrender, Daniel Haynes (45), Mike Williamson (38no) and Jack Smallwood (15no) helping Hall to 142 for four.

Hall Thirds were not able to offer the same resistance as they lost to Wavertree Thirds by 18 runs.

Mike Arden and Rutujay Chawda picked up two wickets apiece as Wavertree made 133 for six declared - Hall's reply ending on 115.