FARLEY overcame a sluggish start to record their 15th win of the season at home to Langley Manor thirds and secure runners-up spot in Regional Division One West.

After the visitors were inserted, Ted Glanvill maintained his excellent rhythm from the previous week and created numerous early chances, but Farley inexplicably shelled them all.

It gave Langley openers Tim Rogers and Ken Morrison the chance to build a 95 run opening stand before Rogers finally fell for 59 to Geoff Ramsey (2-22). Despite some lusty blows from Aidan Batten, the Langley middle order struggled to push on against Ramsey and BJ Cole, finishing on 183-7.

Farley’s profligacy had cost them the chance for maximum points, so all eyes were now on the win – with heavy rain in the forecast.

Mike Covill gave early indication of his intent, hitting the visiting skipper for six in the first over.

Though the pitch remained sluggish, Covill and BJ Cole both put away the bad ball and Farley raced to 57 inside ten overs before Cole played too early at Chrissie Hughes.

That brought Andy Coveney to the crease to join skipper Covill for yet another decisive stand. The pair added 75 before Covill was adjudged LBW for 63 – taking his run tally to the season to an astounding 1,110. Two quick victims followed, but Coveney calmly progressed to an unbeaten 44, as Lewis Wakeford brought things to a quick conclusion with 12 overs to spare.

The five-wicket win gave Farley 22 points, but with rivals Winton not playing, they had to settle for second place.