Boynton and Gunarathne star in Parish’s Premier triumph

Boynton, who earlier took three wickets, made 106 not out from 108 balls with 14 fours and three sixes.

He joined Gunarathne after 12 overs at 64-2 after David Winn had hit 27 and the pair saw Parish ease to 255-2 after 45.1 overs.

Boynton dominated the partnership while Gunarathne remained the rock of the innings, ending 93 not out from 124 balls with 15 fours.

Earlier hosts Townville had closed on 252-9. Opener John Trower top scored with 67 before falling to Gunarathne (1-22). Jonathan Booth (54) and Jack Hughes (41) were dismissed by Michael Padgett (3-65) while Boynton claimed 3-59 and there was a wicket each for Daniel Hope and Bradley Drake.

Victory saw eighth-placed Parish close to within four points of Townville who started fifth.

Birstall remain just out of the relegation zone after their 99-run home loss to leaders Wrenthorpe. Despite the defeat Birstall stay third-bottom ahead of Wakefield St Michaels, who lost by nine wickets at Methley, on net runs per wicket ratio.

Wrenthorpe were put in and led by Gary Fellows (44) and David Paynter (36) they reached 204-7 in their 37 overs as Kevin Watson took 3-52 and Saif ur Rehman 3-59.

The loss of early wickets always had Birstall on the back foot and they were 105 all out in 34.3 overs. Stewart Clifton and Nick Kaye both made 19 while Fellows led a solid bowling attack with 4-20.

Victory and six points saw Wrenthorpe increase their lead to 10 points.

New Farnley climbed to second place as they bowled bottom-club Ossett out for 93 in their seven-wicket success while Methley slipped to third after their home win over St Michaels.

Fourth-bottom Northowram Fields moved 11 points clear of Birstall and St Michaels after their three-wicket home win over Altofts.

Hunslet Nelson stay sixth, level on points with Townville, after their 132-run loss at Wakefield Thornes.