DAVE KENNEDY insists that Northop Hall have nothing to fear as Liverpool Competition Division One leaders Rainford head to Flintshire.

And that’s because Hall have already faced the best bowler the league has to offer in Christopher Liptrot, who claimed 8-50 to secure Highfield a three-wicket win at Smith Lane last weekend.

“There is no-one better than Liptrot,” said Hall director of cricket Kennedy. “When rain has got under the covers and on to the wicket, which is a green seamer, then there is nobody better than Liptrot.

“You don’t want to have to face him on that kind of wicket, he’s got something like 1,500 wickets in the Liverpool Competition and that doesn’t just happen.

“He bowls on a good length with the ball swinging away, and even though Jac (Kennedy) and James (Hurlin) played him well in getting to 50 without loss, one wicket often brings more quickly.”

Like Highfield, Rainford have come down from the Premier Division, so Hall know the level of challenge awaiting them tomorrow afternoon.

But while Highfield find themselves fifth, Rainford are 27 points clear at the summit.

“It will be a tough game,” said Kennedy. “Rainford will go up, I’m pretty sure of that, but these are the type of games you want to play in.

“They’ve got a team full of good cricketers and it will be a good challenge for our team.”

Hall are fourth from bottom in the table, 24 points above the relegation zone, which is a cushion that leaves Kennedy calm and composed.

“I’m relatively pleased with how we are playing,” he said. “We’ve got to keep playing well and hopefully we can turn those narrow defeats into wins.

“We aren’t getting hammered by anyone, so there is no need to panic.”

Rohit Kaimal and Jack Billington miss out for Hall, who promote Jac Allen and Gareth Fox.

Hall Seconds head to Norley Hall Seconds tomorrow, while the third XI host Maghull Thirds and, on Sunday, the Fourths face visiting Newton-le-Willows Thirds.