HAYDOCK CC's wet start to the season continued on Saturday with both the first eleven and third eleven fixtures being called off due to waterlogged pitches without a ball being bowled.

The seconds however found conditions more favourable at Southport Trinity and a full day's play was possible.

Batting first, Southport's batsmen were never allowed to get the score board rattling around as new skipper Barry Cross's team bowled and fielded excellently. The ageless Ste Plant (3-25) along with under 18s Paul Roberts (2-11) and Nick Tinsley (2-14) were the pick of Haydock's bowlers. Veteran Arthur Bushell also marked his return to the club with 2-18 as Southport were shot out for miserly 95. The only other black spot was a nasty injury to wicketkeeper Ste Webster who got a nasty gash and broken nose for his efforts standing up to pace ace Plant. The club wish Ste a speedy recovery.

Haydock's reply got off to a slightly shaky start losing Mike Forgaty for only one run, however there was no need to worry as Scott Pickervance played superbly timing the ball excellently and dispatching Southport's bowlers to all parts of the ground, Scott was well supported by Paul Roberts who also grew in confidence as the day progressed. These two guided Haydock to a nine-wicket victory, Scott finishing unbeaten with a chanceless 68 not out and Paul 21 not out allowing Haydock to take maximum points. On Sunday the first team finally got their season under way in the National Knockout Competition against Liverpool Competition side Wallasey. Wallasey chose to bat first and Haydock's opening pair of Paul Ikin and Dave Burrows did an excellent job to restrict Wallasey's Cheshire representative batsman to only nine runs off the first 10 overs. Young spin bowler Ian Brown also bowled excellently and with more luck could have had a couple of notable scalps. Skipper Darren Matthews finished with excellent figures of 5-23, Paul Ikin (2-34), Ian Brown (1-31) being the other wicket takers as Wallasey made 166-8 from their 45 overs.

Scott Pickervance repeated his excellent form of the previous day making a fine 42 but unfortunately other opener Craig Gardiner couldn't find any way past the field and was finally dismissed for nought after 36 balls. Unfortunately for Haydock no one was able to support Scott and Haydock collapsed from 62-2 to 92 all out.