THE sun finally shone enough for Farley to play their first home league clash of the year, but it ended in heartache as they crumbled to a 102-run defeat by highflying Oakley.

The visitors looked to be positive from the outset, with the prolific Adam Robinson at the crease.

Combining pugnacious shots with a determination to steal the single of the last delivery of each over, Robinson made 102 out of 123 by the 26th over when he was eventually run out backing up.

His dismissal gave Farley an immediate lift, as the rest of the batting struggled against the spin of Jake Hand (3-49). Several fine catches ensured Oakley were held to 224-7 – around par on a good track.

But the Oakley bowlers had other ideas, the well-balanced attack gave Farley very little to work with.

Mike Covill rattled the boundary boards eight times on his way to 41, and Geoff Ramsey looked in good touch for his 30, but once both had fallen, Farley subsided against the pace and bounce of Potter (5-19). The innings closed on a disappointing 122 all out in Regional Division 1 North.

Despite another fighting performance, Farley’s second string went down by 19 runs away to Southampton Travellers.

Three wickets for Tim Fewins and two for Harry Jenkins helped restrict the Travellers to 186-6. Chris Webster’s 53 gave Farley a chance but wickets tumbled around him to finish 167 all out.