BIRSTALL-based Crossbank Methodists are finding it hard going in their first season of All Rounder Cricket Equipment Central Yorkshire League action, and their six-wicket defeat at former Bradford Central League side Adwalton was their sixth league game without a win.

Crossbank skipper Richard Hosley produced an outstanding innings to lift his side's total to 163 after coming in with the score on 36-5, and was eventually last out having hit a match-best 83 off 90 balls.

In reply, Adwalton put on 42 for the first wicket, which fell to young Australian Josh Mastin and, though Alan Firth took 2-36, the home side eased home with six wickets and ten overs to spare.

Crossbank now have a two-week break, while, in the same division, Mirfield, beaten by 147 runs in their last game at Great Preston, face home and away games with Gildersome in the same period.

Bradford League-bound Birstall look unlikely to leave the Central Yorkshire League in a blaze of glory.

They crashed to a 123-run defeat at joint Premier Division leaders Ossett in their last game, and this week face an awkward derby at home to Mirfield Parish Cavaliers in the league and a trip to fancied Townville in the Jack Hampshire Cup the following day.

Paul Blakeley took three wickets for Birstall, albeit at nearly eight an over, as Ossett totalled 233-8, while Birstall struggled to 110 all out, with Rob Macfarlane's 35 from 24 balls being the only highlight.

In contrast, Parish go into this week's game full of confidence after a 127-run victory over Hunslet Nelson that featured a century from Nazar Hussain, and they will be hoping for cup progress on Sunday when they entertain Championship side Northowram.

Buttershaw St Paul's, already out of the cup, went down by eight wickets after being bowled out for 106 at home to Wakefield Thornes and are still looking for their first win following promotion.

But a win this week at fellow-promoted side Batley will lift them out of the bottom two.

In the Championship Division, Northowram, Hopton Mills and Liversedge are at home to Caribbean, Azaad and Wakefield St Michaels respectively, while, in the remaining Jack Hampshire ties, Liversedge entertain Wakefield Thornes and Batley are at home to joint Premier Division leaders Methley.