Birstall left battered and bruised by the might of Methley

Perennial title chasers Methley were given a boost as opener Nick Connolly raced to 121 and was supported by Chris Holliday’s 75 as they set a target of 318-6 for Birstall to chase.

Birstall’s response was led by Paul Marlow who contributed 40 but there was no other resistance and they were bowled out for just 91. Chris Smith took 4-22 and Simon Purdy claimed 3-25.

Mirfield Parish also struggled against champions Wrenthorpe, who earned a 220-run victory.

David Paynter led the charge with a top score of 88 as Wrenthorpe marched to a formidable total of 305-7. Reece and Bradley Drake took three wickets each for Parish.

Milan Gunaratne scored 33 in Parish’s reply of only 85.

In Division One Batley were impressive in a low scoring match with East Ardsley.

Captain Tariq Hussain cracked the Ardsley batting with a haul of 4-18 with support from Arman Hussain with 4-33 as Ardsley collapsed to 87 all out. Muhammed Hussain top scored in the reply with 35 and was matched by A Seedat with 33 not out.

Liversedge are unbeaten after they secured a two wicket win at home to Moorlands.

Alan Sumner top scored with 28 supported by Andrew Walker with 25 as Moorlands were bowled out for 148. Steve Lane claimed an impressive 5-34 to give Liversedge the edge.

David Winter continued in his good early season form with 30 supported by David Bolt on 26 while Michael Cooper made 25 as Liversedge reached 149-8.

In Division Two Scholes prospered in the sunshine.

Neil Kellett led the way against Adwalton with 67 and Duffy added 54 in Scholes’ impressive total of 296.

Simon Bagnell was the pick of the bowlers with 5-51. Adwalton’s batsmen were not allowed to get into the match as they were bowled out for 132.

All-rounder Duffy chipped in with 3-36, while Ben Cross took a fine 3-22.