FARLEY started the season in impressive fashion with an eight-wicket win at Brockenhurst.

Having reduced the hosts to 36-3, Farley struggled to break a 71-run stand for the fourth wicket. Jake Hand finally made the breakthrough, and carved his way through the middle order to take 5-24, aided by some solid catching from Jackson and Lewis Wakeford. Geoff Ramsey (2-19) finished things off, with Brock all out for 151 in 39 overs.

The forest side was reliant on slow bowlers, so Simon Wakeford and Mike Covill had to play watchfully at first. But as they adjusted to the sluggish track, boundaries began to flow. Wakeford was finally caught for 41 out of a first wicket partnership of 95. BJ Cole showed some flourishing strokes on his way to 19, but it was Covill, unbeaten on 70, who saw his side home in the 33rd over. The visit of Suttoners next week is likely to provide a sterner test.

Seven dropped catches ruined the afternoon for Farley’s second eleven. Overton II took full advantage, racking up an imposing 275-7. Harry Jenkins and Ian Swain claimed three scalps apiece. Pete Thompson’s 46 not out, aided by the returning Sam Ramsey (27) and Phil Owen (21*) ensured six batting points as Farley finished on 188-7.

In County Division 4 North, Steeple Langford 1st XI started their County Division 4 North campaign with a convincing 91-run win away to IBM Hursley. Elsewhere in the division, a strong attack from Dinton contributed to a 67-run win over Hustbourne Priors. The seconds, however, lost by 191 runs to OT & Romsey fifths.