Birstall's disastrous start to the season in the Central Yorkshire League Premier division continued with an overwhelming 227 run defeat at the hands of Methley and they go into their weekend games still looking to total three figures and with little prospect of improved results.

New Farnley, who topped the 300-run mark in their win over Wakefield, are next up at Leeds Road while Sunday brings a Jack Hampshire trip to an Altofts side who have already dismissed them for under 100 once this season.

Mirfield Parish, newly promoted to the Premier Division, found themselves under the cosh at Wrenthorpe where they made just 85 chasing the home side's total of 305-7 declared as former Pudsey Congs all-rounder David Paynter hit 88 off 91 balls for Wrenthorpe and then took 3-0 in nine balls..

With the big guns already blazing, there promises to be little joy for prospective giant killers in the Jack Hampshire Trophy.

First Division Buttershaw St Paul's may fancy their chances at home to Mirfield Parish, but what price Second Division Scholes at Methley? The home side batting first looks like the only chance to avoid teas being wasted, while Westwood Park are likely to find it nearly as difficult at Mount Pleasant where First Division Batley are preparing for a hoped-for early return to the top flight.