Ruthless Methley end Birstall dream

Richard Foster blazed 16 fours and two sixes on his way to 94, which contributed heavily to an opening partnership of 152 from just 29 overs with fellow Methley batsmen Marcus Walmsley (44).

Methley had previously overcome the efforts of Wrenthorpe to reach the final, while Birstall progessed to the final thanks to a thrilling victory over Townville.

Birstall batted first but Craig Wood and Rob McFarlane, their century hitting heroes of Birstall’s superb semi-final win, lasted a mere 12 balls between them.

Wood was caught by Foster for a duck after just four balls following good work with the ball from Sohail Raz and McFarlane soon followed after managing just one run from eight balls, as he was bowled by Oral Blackwood.

Saif Ur Rehman looked to offer hope after recording four boundaries, but his stay at the wicket was cut short after 17 runs from 15 balls.

This left Birstall in trouble on 18-3 and it was up to their captain, Eric Austin, to steady the ship.

Austin managed 69 from 95 balls and constructed some important partnerships with both Nick Kaye (14) and Danny Broadfoot (16).

Josh Twohig (28no) was next in to partner Austin and the junior proved to be a durable force at the crease, as the pair added 89 in 20 overs before Austin was eventually bowled by Ed Walmsley in the final over of the innings.

Birstall’s total of 169-6 represented good value from their once perilous position of 78-5, although it did leave Methley in the driving seat going into their innings.

Foster and Walmsley hit 152 before they were eventually dismissed by Kaye, who struck twice in eight deliveries to dismiss the pairing, leaving Luke Patel (13no) and Chris Holliday (2no) to score the remaining runs as Methley retained their crown with eight overs to spare.

Mirfield Parish Cavaliers earned an 86-run win over bottom side Hunslet Nelson in the Central Yorkshire Premier Division last Saturday.

Parish moved within 13 points of second placed Townville after Tim Orrell (49), David Winn (45) and Nazar Hussain (46) impressed in their 198-8.

Jean Strydom (41) top scored in Nelson’s reply but they were bowled out for 112 as Hussain capped a fine game with 5-22 from 12 overs and victory was enough to see Parish qualify for the Yorkshire Council Play-offs this Sunday.

Hopton Mills are nine points adrift of safety in the Central Yorkshire League Premier Division following a five-wicket defeat by Ossett last Saturday.

Geoff Hunt top scored with 78, while support came from S Bland (46no) as Mills posted a useful 219-8, with Joe Finnigan (3-67) pick of the Ossett bowling.

Shoaib Latif blasted Ossett to victory as he hit six sixes and 13 fours in a splendid knock of 136.

Michael Edwards (59) supported as Ossett raced to victory inside 45 overs.

Birstall eased their relegation fears with a four-wicket win over Carlton.

Craig Wood (3-31) and Rob McFarlane (3-21) helped dismiss Carlton for 166 before Joseph Woodhouse (61) played a key role in guiding Birstall to victory.