Birstall continued their push just behind leaders Wrenthorpe in fine style in a high scoring contest and had a number of heroes, but top of the list was all-rounder McFarlane.

First, he opened the batting with Connor Williams and produced one of the innings of the season then he went on to take four wickets with the ball in hand, most crucially claiming the last Mirfield wicket in the very last over as Birstall were pushed right to the finish to get their maximum six points.

McFarlane has been in good form with the bat in recent weeks, but his latest effort was among the best of his career as he blasted his way past the century mark and went on make 146 out of a commanding 173-run opening stand.

Williams was happy to let his opening partner take the early lead, but he then upped his rate and together with Vikram Rathour (48) put on a further 102 runs for the second wicket.

After Rathour was out, Williams then really cut loose and reached his century, going on to make 121 before falling to Alex Scholefield with the job well done. By the end of the 50th over, Birstall had a massive 345-5 total on the board and Mirfield had a huge target to chase. They made a good effort of it with opener Scholefield hitting 67 and Dave Jackson contributing 64 not out, but from 93-1 wickets began to tumble and they fell increasingly behind the asking rate. Victory was assured long before the finish, but Birstall still had the difficult job of taking all 10 wickets and they were without their usual spinner, Richard Pearson.

After Paul Blakeley did his usual steady job in taking 2-79, they turned to McFarlane while skipper John Carruthers also brought himself on. Both enjoyed success, but time was running out and it was a huge relief when last batsman Ian Nowacki, who had resisted well for 14 runs, was caught by Williams off the bowling of McFarlane in the final over to leave Parish all out for 259. McFarlane finished with 4-39 while Carruthers claimed 4-78.

BIRSTALL A were back to winning ways against Wakefield St Michael's A to reignite their promotion claims in Division Two.

A terrific knock of 87 from Richard Sidle paved the way for a 66-run success as Birstall went in first and reached 195-9 from their 50 overs. Support came from Malcolm Ellis with 36.

In reply, Wakefield were in the game at 58-2, but lost six wickets for 23 and were all out for 129 with Adam Holroyd taking 4-47, James Tolson 3-22, Dave Hilton 1-33 and Richard Sidle 1-2.