The much delayed tie at home to Methley was reduced to 27 overs a side and the hosts found themselves chasing 150 for victory.

They were given an early shock when in-form Connor Williams was out for only one. Another prize scalp for the visitors saw Vikram Rathour then caught out for 17. But with Rob McFarlane hitting 39, Paul Marlow 31 and Sam Newman 20 the home team looked on course at 116-4.

The dismissal of Marlow triggered a mini collapse and it need a knock of 20 from James Keen to keep Birstall in touch. It all boiled down to the final over to be bowled by Vic Craven and the former Yorkshire all-rounder held his nerve to take two wickets, leaving the hosts six runs short on 143-9.

Craven had earlier been dismissed for five, but John Proud hit 57 and Ryan Bradshaw 38 not out to take Methley up to a 149-5 total. Danny Busfield, with 2-43, was the most successful Birstall bowler while Paul Blakeley bowled six overs for only 12 runs.