BUTTERSHAW St Paul's produced the shock of the day in the All Rounder Cricket Equipment Central Yorkshire League to dent NorthowramFields' promotion hopes in the Championship and boost their own chances of finishing outside the bottom two.

Teenager Kevin McDermott was in outstanding form at the top of the Buttershaw innings with a match-best 95 in a two-and-a-half- hour stay at the crease and, with some late support from Ian Carradice (30), the home side lifted their total to 193.

In reply, Northowram fell foul of the vastly experienced, and versatile Matthew Barnes, who can boast spells at East Bierley, Scholes and Gomersal among others.

He came on second change and promptly broke a dogged 79-run second-wicket stand when he removed Paul Flesher for 22.

Opener Rob Larner was unmovable but Barnes (4-59) and then Carradice (3-37) denied him support and when he was last out, bowled by young McDermott, he had made 100 of his side's 170 but had only one point to show for his efforts.

That win lifted Buttershaw into a more comfortable mid-table position and, while Batley are now seven points clear at the top, Liversedge are closing fast on second-placed Northowram after four points from their clash with East Ardsley at Roberttown Lane.

Mark Hydes made a superb 103 for Liversedge as they reached 255-6 in their 50 overs but the bowlers could not finish off the visitors, despite 4-18 in ten overs from off-spinner Paul Marlow, and they were on 168-7 at the close.

While Batley go to Wakefield St Michaels this week, looking to cement their position, Liversedge take on Buttershaw at Roberttown Lane in what should be a keen contest.

In the Premier Division, Birstall slipped closer to the relegation zone after they went down by two wickets at Ossett.

Eric Austin (59) had a timely return to form for Birstall, and Dominic Cleghorn hit 65 not out, but with only three men in double figures their 181-8 was not quite enough as the home side eased home by two wickets, with former Leicestershire man John Sadler (43) top-scoring.

The Scholes bubble seems to have burst as they went down by three wickets at Wakefield Thornes.

Next up for James Stansfield's men is a tough game at home to Ossett, while Birstall host Mirfield Parish Cavaliers.