After claiming a rare five-wicket haul yesterday, Gary Severn played down Pudsey St Lawrence's chances of lifting the JCT600 Bradford League First Division championship.

The maximum 20 points that they gained at relegation-threatened Farsley put Saints within three points of second-placed Woodlands prior to tomorrow's Pudsey derby.

However, Severn said: "No-one has really talked about the title in the dressing room.

"We are just trying to win each game and hopefully be in position to have a shot at it with five or six games left. We also realise that we haven't played any of the top sides yet."

Severn's last comment is borne out by the fact that Saints have only played Cleckheaton (sixth) of those in the top seven and have played five of the six bottom clubs (excluding Hanging Heaton).

St Lawrence's biggest test so far comes tomorrow at home to Congs, who have been wounded by a last-ball defeat at home to Baildon yesterday.

At least, left-arm opening bowler Severn was back among the wickets, taking the first five as Farsley slumped to 104 for seven on the way to a 128-run defeat.

"Normally I am known more for my economy so it was nice to get some wickets," said Severn. "The ball was swinging for me early on.

"The match was ideal preparation for tomorrow's match, apart from some of the batters not getting into bat and some of the bowlers not getting a bowl."

Pudsey St Lawrence's innings was dominated by left-hander Mark Robertshaw, who made 139, and diminutive overseas player Tom Stray (102 not out).

Robertshaw, strong on the offside early on and strong off his legs late on, faced 131 balls and hit 15 fours and two sixes.

Australian Stray, who has a liking for the cut, hit six fours and three sixes and faced 90 balls.

They added 201 for the second wicket after Alex Stead (53, including eight fours) was run out when the first-wicket stand had put on 109.

Only off-spinner Ashley Metcalfe and medium-fast bowler Jan Gadzina were able to expert any semblance of control for Farsley, Saints adding 64 from the last 35 balls.

Needing a massive 312 to win, Farsley's best hope was for Metcalfe and Steve Simpson to stay in.

But Severn dipped one in to hit Metcalfe on the toe and have him lbw and Simpson, the ball after hooking Severn for six, tried to do the same to one that was quicker and top-edged a catch to Stead at long leg.

Shabir Rashid hit 44 not out as the Rams recovered to 183.

Last man Robert Thornton did not bat after being hit smack between the eyes with the ball while fielding the shot that brought up Stray's 100.

Farsley, who are too reliant on Metcalfe, Simpson and Kallum Fernando, are now ten points adrift at the bottom and are going to need performances to match the quality of their teas if they are to avoid the drop.