A SIX-wicket haul for Jake Hand, including three in four balls, helped Farley cruise to a 102-run victory at Herriard.

The hosts had put Farley on a dampish track, but after James Melhorn fell early, Ian Owen and BJ Cole showed the discipline needed to build an innings, adding 58 for the second wicket before Cole edged a drive on 31.

There was then a pivotal fourth wicket stand of 63 between Owen (48) and Tom Pitt-Brooke (35), which gave Farley the platform to accelerate in the last 10 overs. Geoff Ramsey led the charge, his unbeaten 48 ensuring Farley finished on a competitive 206-8.

Dan Jackson’s excellent opening spell brought two early victims and Melhorn picked up one at the other end. When Cole removed Baker for 41, it was over to Hand, whose flight proved too much for the Herriard lower order as he finished with 6-25. That gave Farley a maximum points win as they returned to third place.

It was a double celebration for the first time this year after Farley’s second team raced to a nine-wicket win at home to Hursley Park IV. Bowling with control and discipline rarely seen this season, Farley kept the visitors to just 122-5 in their 42 overs.

Ian Swain made short work of the chase, finishing on 79 not out.