HAYDOCK First XI made the short trip to Norley Hall on Saturday but failed to overcome the new league leaders.

Winning the toss, skipper Matthews elected to bat and they soon lost opener Craig Sackfield for one.

Shaun Lathom continued his recent good form, scoring 38 before White bowled him in the 20th over.

Paul Tatton and the returning Craig Gardiner built steadily until Tatton was run out. From there wickets fell until an eighth wicket partnership of 52 between Tony Derbyshire (23) and Andrew Bentham (29) saw Haydock past 175 and finally all out for 187 in the last over.

After tea the opening bowlers of Dave Burrows and Craig Sackfield bowled well and made an early break through.

This brought Australian Barry Ensil to the crease and after both he and Ste Knowles had set themselves they then proceeded to take the Haydock bowling apart. Ensil was finally dismissed for 99 and Knowles for 44 as Norley Hall passed the Haydock total for the loss of three wickets.

Best for Haydock was Dave Burrows with one for 37 from 10 overs.

Back at Lyme Park Haydock 2nd XI tasted victory over Norley Hall Seconds.

Batting first, Norley were restricted to 158 for 6. The young pace attack of Paul Roberts (three for 62) and Nicky Tinsley (two for 23) were best for Haydock.

In reply Haydock eased past the Norley total for the loss of only three wickets.

Opener Billy Hurst scored a fine 47, but was eclisped by Matthew Reynolds, who was making his debut and finished on 67 not out.

The Third XI completed a resounding victory over Winstanley Park Thirds. Park were dismissed for 84, Ben Holland taking six for 23 and Haydock surpassed the target for the loss of only one wicket. Chris Kenyon scored 46 not out against his former club.

On Sunday Haydock Second XI enjoyed a thrilling Pochin Cup victory at Croston. Batting first Croston scored 216 for six, best for Haydock was Kieran Parkinson with two for 35 and Ste Hill two for 23. However their performances were eclipsed in a thrilling reply, which went right down to the wire. Haydock replied with 217 for nine were hugely indebted to experienced wicket keeper Stephen Webster who scored an unbeaten 111.