Blackburn helps boost Ossett survival hopes

METHLEY'S hopes of retaining the Premier Division championship ended when they lost by 12 runs to lowly Ossett, who improved their chances of avoiding relegation with their second straight win.

Chasing 164-9 that included 41 by Chris Blackburn, Methley were bowled out for 152, despite Nick Connolly's 43 and Mark Atkinson's 30.

Methley slipped to third place, 19 points adrift of unbeaten leaders Wrenthorpe, who cruised to an eight-wicket victory at Wakefield Thornes after Tom Glover (5-34), Gary Fellows (3-5) and David Paynter (2-13) routed the hosts for 90.

New Farnley boosted their chances of qualifying for the Yorkshire Council Championship play-offs by climbing to second place with a 98-run victory against relegation candidates Altofts, who have have lost nine of their last 10 league matches.

Bottom side Liversedge's worries increased when they lost at Townville. Jonathan Trevitt's half-century was in vain as Liversedge fell from 112-4 to 152 all out against Greig Batty (4-33) and Ritchie Bresnan (3-27).

In reply, Tim Walton hit 46 and Matthew Baxter finished unbeaten on 42 as Townville coasted to a seven-wicket win.

Zafar Khan bagged 6-62 as Birstall eased their relegation fears with their third successive victory by beating Northowram Fields by eight wickets.

Khan, Paul Blakeley (2-26) and Michael Kaye (2-5) reduced Northowram to 66-8 before Mohammed Hafeez hit 43 off 50 balls to help them recover to 119. Indian opener Connor Williams struck an unbeaten 62 and Anthony Yelding 40 as Birstall knocked off the runs.

Batley slipped to second bottom with a six-wicket defeat against Wakefield St Michael's.

Richard Atkinson (78) and Simon Stirling (39) guided St Michael's to victory after Alex Leyshon (6-64) and Jake Thorne (3-48) bowled out Batley for 193.

Division One favourites Hunslet Nelson retained a 19-point lead by trouncing East Leeds who were skittled for 51 by Derrick Hammill (4-12), Robert Barker (2-7) and Glen Thompson (2-18).

David Winn hit an unbeaten 118 as Mirfield PC enjoyed an 158-run win at Caribbean but Carlton's challenge ended when they lost by 16 runs at Ossett.