A FIERY late burst from BJ Cole ensured Farley secured maximum points away at Hythe and Dibden II to stay in touch with the leading pack in Regional Division One (West).

Responding to exhortations from his teammates to bowl straight, Cole rattled the timbers four times in six balls, including a hat-trick, putting the gloss on a comprehensive 91-run victory with two deliveries remaining.

He had to share the bowling honours with Lewis Wakeford, who had ripped out the top order in a superb six over spell of 3-13. With change bowlers Geoff Ramsey and Paul Roberts offering few easy pickings, Hythe effectively shut-up shop before Cole's pace proved too much for them.

It was no less than Farley deserved after a solid batting display. Runs proved hard to come by at first and, at drinks, Farley were 62-2.

Mike Covill, in a rich vein of form, began to impose himself and it took a stunning catch in the covers to remove him for 56. Andy Coveney (43) and Geoff Ramsey maintained the momentum, but it was Dave Glanvill who provided the fireworks. He reached a first league 50 off 38 balls and in company with brother Ted (24 not out off 11) saw Farley to 230-7.

Farley's seconds made it a double celebration as they beat Thruxton by 49 runs. Phil Owen was the star man taking 5-37 as Thruxton were dismissed for 103. The visitors had made it to 44 without loss in pursuit of Farley's 152-7 (Ian Swain 30, Bob Wood 30) before Owen and Gary Seymour (2-12) intervened. With Farley finally holding their catches, the win came with overs to spare.