Young Bresnan haul in vain for Townville

OSSETT'S Premier Division relegation worries increased when they suffered a collapse in a six-run defeat at Northowram Fields.

Chasing 207-8, bottom side Ossett looked handily placed when John Bowett (60), Chris Hosley (43) and Michael Edwards (38) led them to 141-2 but Nadim Hussain (5-49) and Brad Hauenstein (3-45) sent them reeling to 201 all out.

Batley improved their survival chances with their second win in three games by beating Altofts by six wickets but Liversedge slipped deeper into trouble when they lost to leaders Wrenthorpe.

Joe Ellis (4-44), Neil Gill (2-32) and Gary Fellows (2-15) routed Liversedge for 134 and openers Fellows (76no) and Eric Austin (35) shared a century stand as Wrenthorpe knocked off the runs in 18.2 overs.

Wrenthorpe are 14 points ahead of champions Methley, who climbed to second by beating Wakefield Thornes.

John Rickers (4-37) and Nick Connolly (3-17) skittled Thornes for 129, replying to Methley's 182 that included a half-century by Hemantha Alles.

Joe Cook (38), Richard Foster (35), David Meiring (4-62) and Josh Shaw (3-28) were Thornes' best performers.

A five-wicket haul by Ritchie Bresnan – younger brother of Yorkshire and England star Tim – was in vain for Townville in a three-wicket defeat against New Farnley.

Wakefield St Michael's climbed to fifth place by collecting maximum points for the third successive game. Richard Atkinson (82no) steered St Michael's to an eight-wicket victory at Birstall, who were bowled out for 156 by Michael Carroll (5-36).

Hunslet Nelson moved closer to clinching the Division One championship by increasing their lead to 18 points.

Derrick Hamill (4-11), Glen Thompson (3-16) and Sohail Raz (3-6) set up Hunslet's seven-wicket win at Woodkirk. who have slipped to the bottom after having 18 points deducted.

Mirfield Parish Cavaliers, Carlton and Moorlands maintained their promotion challenges.

David Winn (130) and Milan Gunarathne (111) steered Mirfield to 328-6 at Ossett, whose reply of 236-7 featured 95 by David Sadler.