Vikram Rathour followed his ton against New Farnley with another Premier Division century and was joined by overseas star Connor Williams who hit an unbeaten 105 to kick start his season as well.

Birstall went in first and were quickly into their stride with a 46 run opening stand, the bulk of which was scored by Rob McFarlane who made 32.

Williams and Rathour then came together and made the Thornes bowlers toil in a stand that was worth 173 runs. Rathour was first to reach three figures before he fell to a catch when on 103 and the innings standing on 219-1. Williams went on to reach his century and with Paul Marlow (16 not out) added a further 41 runs to take Birstall to 260-2 at which point they declared with four of the allotted 50 overs remaining.

Thornes’ reply started soundly as they got to 74-1, but a collapse that saw five wickets go down for 16 runs left them with a mountain to climb.

Phil Callaghan (46) and Scott Wightman (30 not out) put up some strong resistance, but the visiting bowlers kept plugging away and were eventually rewarded with their opponents all out for 195 in the 48th over.

Wicket takers were skipper John Carruthers (4-25), Richard Pearson (3-53) and Paul Blakeley (2-35).

BIRSTALL A suffered their first defeat and surrendered top spot in Division Two when they lost by 51 runs to Wakefield City A.

Dave Hilton took 4-50 and Malcolm Ellis claimed 3-33, but City were able to set a big target in making 233. Birstall’s reply started well enough when Robert Ellis (39) and Adam Holroyd (33) were out in the middle, but wickets went down at regular intervals and although Mark Heseldin contributed 30 and Hilton 18 they were all out for 182 in the 49th over.