Will Owen admits Chester Boughton Hall are currently short of their best form as they look to arrest their early season slump.

Hall lie eighth in the Premier League having suffered back-to-back defeats, the latest coming against Nantwich last week, for whom Irish international Nial O’Brien struck a superb 81.

Coming up tomorrow is a clash against league leaders Timperley at Filkins Lane, who have won their past four matches.

Hall – who also face Timperley on Sunday in the Cheshire Cup - will hand a debut to Lancashire Academy batsman Jamie Crawley.

"We weren't at our best against Nantwich last weekend but in the end could have got something from the game,” captain Owen said.

“Nial O'Brien was the big difference and if we'd taken our chances in the field, he wouldn't have made such a big impact. He was the difference.

"It's early days and we're having to juggle our resources with a lot of games just now. Saturday though sees a big test and we'll be bolstered by Jamie Crawley from Lancashire's Academy, making his debut. Jamie joined us in the winter and is now available, so he'll undoubtedly bolster our top order.

"The big games are coming thick and fast and Timperley are perhaps the surprise package this year. They're topping the table now, but it seems that anyone can beat anyone in our league.

"It's a double header weekend as we're also home to Timperley on the Sunday, in the Cheshire Cup. Winning that trophy last year was a proud achievement. We've a great record in the competition and we'll be scrapping to make sure we keep it that way."

Neston’s winning start was derailed last week but they look to get back on track against Didsbury, while Toft host Cheadle. Alderley Edge visit Marple, Grappenhall host Nantwich and Oulton Park head to Bramhall.

In Division One, Barrow are finding life tough having been promoted and lie bottom of the table without a win from five outings, ahead of their tough-looking trip to third-placed Bowdon.

Upton on the other hand are going great guns in second place after Ross Dixon led them to a narrow one-wicket win over Davenham last week, taking 4-47 before hitting a vital 56 in their pursuit of 150 for victory.

Tom Marsland’s side head to leaders Hyde tomorrow, who are likely to prove stern opposition.

Other Division One fixtures: Davenham v Urmston; Bollington v Widnes; Sale v Macclesfield; Stockport v Oxton.

In Division Two, Alvanley’s 100 per cent start was foiled last weekend by Warrington who clung on for a draw but Chris Charles’ men remain top ahead of their trip to Brooklands.

There’s a Chester derby at Tattenhall, who face an in-form Christleton side, whose skipper Josh Morgan Jones will no doubt be hoping bowler Arslan Dar is in the same form as last week when he took 8-26 to inspire them to a seven-wicket win over Weaverham.

Other Division Two fixtures: Lindow v Hale Barns; Romiley v Mobberley; Weaverham v Northwich.

In the Chester Cricket League Division Three, Chester County Officers host Old Parkonians, looking to improve on their current ninth-place after five games.

Westminster Park look to put their recent batting woes behind them when they visit Styal in Division Four. Park have barely mustered 100 runs from their past two innings.

Saughall head to Wirral seconds tomorrow, before hosting Chester County Officers seconds on Monday.