A blazing hot day as we arrived at the batsman's paradise that is the Birstwith ground. They're halfway through building a new pavilion so probably pleased we're having the hottest, driest April in years!
Skipper Rob Clarke called correctly and sensibly decided to bat, so he and usual opener James Thompson strode out looking to make a good start.
Unfortunately, a fantastic one handed catch at slip by Paul Rogerson saw Thompson fall early, but there then followed a stand of 168 for the second wicket between Rob Clarke (105) and Chris Horner (66) as the bowlers and fielders toiled in the heat.
The good work was continued by Ned McClelland (24), Joe Buckley (27) and Ali Bowles (20) as we finished with a daunting 283 for 8.
A fine tea saw us ready for the second half, the Birstwith opener Andy Gough promoted from the third team after a mammoth 172 not out against Staveley 2nds, but he found Division 4 a big step as he fell early for 6 to Ned McClelland (2 for 54). Opening partner Mark Taylor (2 for 51) provided good support but change bowlers Joe Buckley (3 for 25) and Ali Bowles (3 for 44) helped to reduce the home side to 62 for 5 and in pole position.
Some decent lower order work from B Thompson (35), skipper P Ellerton (42) and W Neale (57 not out) took the home innings to 222 all out and a 61 run to victory, to move us to the top of the table.