CONFIDENCE is high in the Chirk camp as they prepare to entertain Shropshire League Division Two strugglers Welshpool.

Andrew Swarbrick’s men may have been frustrated in their quest for that illusive first win of the season, but they still picked up a very healthy 20 points after dominating proceedings against Sentinel Seconds last weekend.

Nick Flack showed his class with a quickfire 102, while Gareth Partridge added 89 and Swarbrick struck a 22-ball 42 as Chirk posted 283 for nine from their 40 overs.

And despite being unable to bowl Sentinel out, they restricted their hosts to just 131 for five in reply, leaving Chirk satisfied with another good day’s work.

“It was another good performance,” said Swarbrick. “Nick batted unbelievably for his 100 and his partnership with Gaz was brilliant to watch.

“Gaz and Wynn Jones then bowled superbly. Wynn deserved more wickets than he got for his spell.

“But it was a good team effort and it was great to see people hitting form for us.”

On Flack’s 62-ball century, Swarbrick added: “It’s been a long time coming and he showed his class.

“Last year wasn’t a great one by Nick’s high standards, but he’s settled into the league in style now.

“I expect him and Gaz to push on. They batted very well individually and as a partnership - they put on 170 for the third wicket.”

Welshpool head to Holyhead Road tomorrow on the back of four successive defeats, but Swarbrick isn’t taking victory for granted.

“It’s another step into the unknown for us,” he said.

“We don’t know any of their players, so it will be another interesting game for us and one we are looking forward to.

“We are coming into the game in good form though and targeting victory.

James Carter, pictured, and Billy Swarbrick return for Chirk, who are without Stevie Kelshaw, Ollie Gough and Chris Martin.

Overton are back in Division Six action tomorrow as they play host to Guilsfield.

NORTHOP HALL will be looking to secure back-to-back victories over Prestatyn when the duo lock horns once more tomorrow.

Hall played host to Prestatyn last weekend in the Ray Tyler Cup second round, the home side running out convincing 73-run winners.

Enamul Haque (73), Jamie Hodgson (57) and James Hurlin (50) were all in the runs as Hall posted 305 for six from their 45 overs.

The pressure of the run chase proved too much for Prestatyn, who saw their reply close on 232 for six, despite an unbeaten century from Waqar Khan.

And with Hall yet to taste victory in Division One of the Liverpool Competition this season, Michael Barnes will be eager for his side to repeat last week’s display.

Director of cricket Dave Kennedy was expecting an “interesting” double-header with Prestatyn.

He said: “It’s always interesting playing the same team two games in a row and we know that we need to be at our best to beat a competitive Prestatyn side.”

Hall are also in action on Sunday afternoon as they make their way to Hawk Green in the National Village Knockout with the winners set to face either Caldy or Mottram in the regional final of the competition next month.

The Flintshire side’s second XI make the trip to Prestatyn Seconds, while Hall Thirds head to Birkenhead Park Thirds tomorrow while the fourth team entertain Southport and Birkdale Thirds on Sunday.