Tariq Hussain's men earned a first win since May 3 when they beat New Farnley by 103 runs last Saturday to move up to third-bottom.
Batley are level on 19 points with Farnley and four clear of Northowram Fields, who are in the bottom two after defeat by Mirfield Parish Cavaliers.
With Northowram travelling to bottom side Scholes on Saturday, Batley's game at home to Jack Hampshire Trophy semi-finalists Thornes give them a good chance of putting daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
Having won promotion last season, Thornes have been something of a surprise package and are serious challengers for a top-four finish. They visit Townville in their Hampshire semi-final on Sunday.
Birstall will be looking to bounce back from last Sunday's Hampshire Trophy quarter-final defeat by Methley when the sides meet at Little Church Lane in the Premier.
It is an important game with Birstall three points behind leaders Wrenthorpe, while Methley are a further six adrift, knowing defeat by John Carruthers's side would severely dent their title challenge.
Mick Kaye suffered a hamstring injury last Sunday but Birstall would appear to have found an adequate replacement in second teamer James Keen, who batted superbly to make 80 in their evening league semi-final on Tuesday night.
That match was due to be completed last night (Wednesday) with Farnley requiring 167 runs to win off 92 balls.
The winners will meet Buttershaw St Paul's in the final at Birstall CC next Tuesday (start 6.30pm) after they beat Wrenthorpe by three runs.
Birstall also have one eye on their big Heavy Woollen Cup semi-final with Barnsley on July 20 as they bid to reach the final for the first time in more than 50 years.
Woodkirk continue to surge towards promotion in Division Two and have won six out of the last seven matches, with their only blip being the rained off game a fortnight ago.
Their superb run has propelled them into second place, just two points behind Gildersome, as they entertain bottom-side Batley A on Saturday.
n Hanging Heaton host Baildon in Bradford League Division One (1.30pm) looking to build on last week's crushing victory over Esholt.
Imran Arif celebrated earning a contract with Worcestershire for next season by claiming 7-13 from 13 overs in one of the quickest spells of bowling seen in many years.
Esholt have scored just 115 runs in two matches against Heaton this season.