Birstall celebrate clinching title

9:38am Tuesday 16th September 2008

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Birstall crowned a sensational season in the Central Yorkshire League by lifting the Premier Division title with a last-day victory over relegated Scholes at rain-sodden New Popplewell Lane.

Conditions were far from ideal but both clubs were determined to get a game on and the contest was played in a superb spirit.

Scholes battled hard but leaders Birstall held off the challenge of Wakefield giants Wrenthorpe by bowling out the home side for 67 and then knocking the runs off in just seven overs without loss.

Skipper John Carruthers has taken more of a back seat with the ball this season yet still advanced his wicket tally to 69 with a return of five for 34, while veteran Paul Blakely returned four for 25 to finish with 56 victims.

Richard Pearson claimed the other Scholes wicket to leave him and Danny Busfield with 35 for the campaign.

And with Rob McFarlane weighing in with a few more, on top of his 725 runs at the top of the order, the all-round strength of the team has been the key.

“We have had some brilliant individual performances but it is the teamwork and team spirit that has won it for us,” said Carruthers.

“We have had tremendous contributions from our Indian players Connor Williams (765 runs) and Vikram Rathour (818) but you look around at the other players and they’re all Birstall or Batley lads.”

McFarlane’s introduction this season as a hard-hitting opener has made a big difference to the side and he finished off with an unbeaten 44 in just 16 balls at Scholes – including 32 off the last six balls faced.