TEN-man Farley’s dogged display at Ashford Hill came at the expense of losing young Lewis Wakeford to a broken finger.

Wakeford’s magnificent boundary work resulted in a long-term injury he picked up in the visitors’ three-run win in Regional Division One (North) – and is likely to miss the majority of the season after just two games.

Unsurprisingly inserted on a mottled pitch, the visitors made a steady start before Mike Covill skied one for 17.

Simon Wakeford picked off the bad balls to compile an impressive 43, but it was Andy Coveney who proved the lynchpin of the Farley innings. After an unusually slow start, he found his feet and hitting an unbeaten 54, featuring two huge sixes, saw Farley to 151-6.

Ashford Hill’s openers immediately showed their intent, swinging hard from the start. But Ted Glanvill was quickly into a rhythm, rattling the stumps twice in a sharp opening spell. Lewis also made an early breakthrough and, with Farley holding their chances, Ashford Hill were reduced to 40-5.

Mike Softley set about repairing the damage, defending vigilantly and picking up runs when the bowlers’ lines strayed to leg. He had made 49 when he was adjudged leg before to BJ Cole.

Tensions mounted as the home side’s lower order carved and scampered their way towards the total. But the returning Glanvill (4-24) accounted for the dangerous Khayan. It came down to five needed off the last two overs, with two wickets remaining.

The bowlers held their lines, and as the batsmen tried to conjure runs that weren’t there, two run outs secured Farley’s victory.

The villagers’ second team slumped to a heavy defeat at home to Thruxton. Ian Swain’s five-wicket haul had helped dismiss the visitors for 141, but he was the only man who totted double figures as Farley were bowled out for 63.