The return of Indian A batsman Connor Williams, after a lengthy visa delay, is a timely boost for Birstall but even a top-scoring 30 was not enough to help his side at Wrenthorpe where they suffered a fourth Central Yorkshire League defeat defeat of the season.

That result saw them slip into third bottom spot ahead of Wakefield St Michaels, who were skittled out for 56 after a 7-26 return from Methley’s former Liversedge skipper Simon Purdy, and Ossett. But, a good performance at home to promoted Hunslet Nelson on Saturday should lift the Leeds Road side well clear of the drop zone.

It is crunch time in Division One at Roberttown Lane this week when second placed Liversedge, bent on a rapid return to the top flight, take on leaders Carlton looking to overturn the Leeds side’s one point lead.

An unbeaten century from Max Power (117) and 79 from South African David Winter helped Liversedge, who still have a game in hand on the leaders, to a 200 run win over East Leeds in their last game to maintain their 100 per cent record but Carlton promise to be a tougher test for their attack.

Buttershaw St Paul’s and Moorlands stay close on the heels of the top two but a tie in the last game between them saw both clubs lose a little ground. Batting first, Moorlands clocked up 195, Alan Sumner (44) and Chris Stott (55) getting amongst the runs before both fell to Chris Kellett (3-36), but whilst Naveed Bhatti hit 40 in the Buttershaw reply Andrew Walker removed last man Paul Robinson (0) to leave Gavin Walker stranded on 37 and the scores level.

Moorlands have a chance to close the gap on one of the top two when they entertain Ossett A in their next game but Buttershaw find themselves with a blank week and play the role of helpless onlookers.