NORTHOP Hall are back on top of the First Division and within touching distance of a return to the top flight after recording back-to-back victories over the bank holiday weekend. Saturday’s eight-wicket romp at title-outsiders Orrell Red Triangle and Monday’s seven-wicket home slaying of relegation-threatened Wavertree leaves Danny Nolan’s boys 19 points clear of Newton-le-Willows, who occupy the second promotion slot, and 22 from Leigh in third. Little wonder, then, morale is high for tomorrow’s visit of mid-table St Helens and Sunday’s long trip south to Gowerton for the rearranged Welsh Cup semi-final. Hall’s weekend to remember started in Wigan, where Orrell crucially lost the toss and were blitzed for 60. Former Pakistan Test star Ata-ur-Rehman (6-19) took a wicket off the first ball of the match – one of three caught by wicketkeeper Alex Smith – and went on to snaffle a further five in a devastating 11-over spell. Simon Butler (2-23) and Adam Littler (1-6) also got in on the act before Rehman (33) and Butler (23no) swept Hall to 62-2 inside the 12th over – some two hours before tea – and a 20-1 points bounty. Skipper Nolan, whose side were beaten by Orrell at Smithy Lane in May, said: “The toss decided the whole game. It was very wet when we got there and the ball was moving all over the pace. The track had dried down towards the end of their innings, but by then they were eight men down and it was too late.” It was Adam Hodgkins’ chance to shine with the ball against Wavertree, the youngster returning figures of 4-37 from 11 overs in the best performance of his senior career. Simon Butler (2-30), Nolan (2-38) and Rehman (2-43) also got in on the act as the visitors fell for 175 before Smith, who hit a season’s best 86, shared a second-wicket stand of 91 with the ever dependable Dave Kennedy, who was unbeaten on 47, to see Hall to 176-3 and a 25-3 points bonanza. Nolan said: “Although Wavertree are near the bottom, I’d probably say it was our performance of the year. “Adam Hodgkins completely changed the game, Alex Smith batted brilliantly and Dave Kennedy showed once again why I feel he’s been the best batsman at this club for the past 10 or 12 years. Their pro bowled a couple of good overs at him, but when he didn’t get him out I knew he never would.” Nolan will have a full-strength squad to pick from this weekend other than his predecessor James Dyer, the opener and wicketkeeper having moved to Perth for 12 months with work. Hall are no longer going for glory in the Knockout Trophy after conceding Sunday’s semi-final at holders Bootle due to a player shortage. | 
Flintshire Sport 
