NORTHOP HALL want to hit the ground running as they look to stamp their authority on Division One of the Liverpool Competition.

The Flintshire side gained promotion from the third-tier last term, alongside Old Xaverians, who they visit when the campaign kicks off on Saturday.

“It would be nice to get off to a winning start,” said director of cricket Dave Kennedy. “We will go and be positive. We were the two best teams in Division Two last season, and we beat them at their place, so we are looking forward to it.”

New signing Mike Barnes will captain Hall with Kennedy taking a backseat, while former Bangladesh international Enamul Haque Jr, pictured, has arrived to add a high class left-arm spinning option.

Haque claimed Marcus Trescothick as his first wicket in Test cricket, adding the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Michael Clarke and Shane Warne, to his scalps.

“It’s a massive signing,” said Kennedy. “He has the ability to win us a number of games.”

Dan Clubbe, who took 136 Division Two wickets for Hall, and all-rounder Jamie Griffiths, have left Flintshire for pastures new, but Kennedy is confident of a good season.

“The aim is to consolidate on last year,” said Kennedy. “I expect us to be better than people expect us to be, if that makes sense.

“People think the teams coming up will be whipping boys, but there is no reason why we can’t finish in mid-table.”

Key all-rounder James Hurlin and batsman Alex Smith will add to the experience of Barnes and Haque, with a talented crop of youngsters set to get their chance to shine once more.

Jac Kennedy, Jack Billington, Jack Allen, Carwyn Johnson, Jamie Hodgson and the Andrady brothers, Josh and Alastair are all making their way through the ranks at Smithy Lane.

“We will be giving the young lads a chance again,” added Kennedy. “They helped get us up and they are a year stronger.”

Smith and Haque miss the trip to Old Xaverians in an otherwise full-strength Hall squad.