HAYDOCK bounced back as both first and second elevens took on Dalton CC in the Southport and District League.

The first had home advantage against Dalton and looked set for victory until the weather intervened with just 10 overs to go.

Batting first, the Haydock batsmen took control from the outset as Billy Hurst and Tony Derbyshire began to play their shots. Hurst gave them a good start he saw the new ball off well hitting a staunch 26. Tony Derbyshire e made a marvellous 51. Dave Cross, coming in at number threehammered a fine 59 and Andy Bentham hit a quick unbeaten 17 as Haydock reached 203/7.

In reply the Haydock bowlers were right on the mark, Adrian Barr and Dave Burrows bowling in tandem and putting the batsmen under early pressure.

Barr's 20-over spell netted him 5-37 and Burrows finished with 2-20. Dalton were struggling on 82-8 when the rain came and saved them from certain defeat.

The seconds went to Dalton and got back on track with a comprehensive display against Dalton seconds. The toss was a key factor in this game and having been put into bat the Haydock batsmen put the Dalton bowlers to the sword. Scott Pickavance made a good start and looked in good form before losing his wicket on 22. Shaun Lathom finished with a fine 35 as Haydock got the start they needed.

Dave Jones and Ian Brown came in at the top of the middle order and sent the ball to all parts. Jones in particular seemed inspired he attacked the bowling and looked good value for his 51. Ian Brown also played well he looked in determined mood, he played his shots well for his 21. Paul Johnson came in at the end with a fine 28 not out as Haydock declared on 207-4.

In reply, the Dalton batsmen were never in the game, Paul Roberts claimed 3-17 and Steve Plant took 2-22 as Dalton were restricted to 120-7. Ian Brown 1/30.

If the senior sides are doing well then the juniors are also doing well, in particular the under 18s. Their defeat of Norley Hall in the Wigan League was very impressive. Ben Holland hit a marvellous 28 not out from just 13 balls in sensational style. Shaun Lathom joined the run feast with 21 as Haydock reached 107-4 from 20 overs. Then Ian Taylor bowled a devastating five-over spell to take took 7-16 to win the game for Haydock, bowling Norley Hall out for 97.

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