HAYDOCK 1st XI began the second half of the season in the Southport and District League with a winning draw against Croston.

Batting first on another Lyme Park belter, Haydock built a formidable total. Star of the show was David Cross who despatched all bowlers around the ground to finish unbeaten on 91. Supporting roles were played by Craig Sackfield with 39 and Craig Gardiner (25) as Haydock finished on 230-6.

After tea Croston briefly entertained the notion of chasing the target before deciding the pitch wasn't as batsman-friendly as Haydock had made it look. They finally finished on 154-7 after some tireless bowling by all the Haydock attack and particularly Martin Clark who finished with 4-53.

The 2nd XI travelled to Croston and also batted first. They were dismissed for 204 with Ste Hill scoring 36 and young James Rimmer notching another fifty, finishing on 55.

However, in reply the Haydock bowlers were unable to make much inroad into the Croston line-up and the home side ran out winners for the loss of only two wickets.

The 3rd team had another good victory, this time over Tarleton 3rd XI.

Haydock were dismissed for 150 with Kelvin Gibson( 53) and John Gibson (470 the mainstays.

In reply, Tarleton were all out for 113, thanks to John Pye (5-16) and David Middlehurst (4-11).

Sunday was Pochin Cup semi-final day and the 2nd XI entertained Eccleston who batted first, posting a testing 196-9 off their 45 overs. Ste Plant returned figures of 2-23 from his allotted overs.

However, Haydock didn't have enough in the tank and were all out for 145. Wicketkeeper Ste Webster top scored with 37, supported by under-13 Liam Parkinson (29) and James Rimmer (23).

The Dieter Metals Haydock juniors enjoyed another good week. The under-18s had an outstanding victory over Leigh. Paul Roberts posted an unbeaten 50 in a score of 116-3, then followed it up with 3-24 as Leigh were restricted to 95-7.

The under-15s returned to winning ways with a six-wicket win over high-flying Warrington, while the under-13s put in another creditable performance before losing out to Mawdsley.

This week saw official confirmation of Haydock's entry into the Liverpool Competition for season 2002. These are exciting times for the club who have made great progress over the last six seasons and are keen to continue this.

The club has begun to make preparations for next season immediately and are looking to recruit new members. Interested players should make contact with the club on 01942 722709 where they will receive a warm welcome.