OPENING bowler Dan Jackson was the star with the bat as he struck his first league half-century to propel Farley to a thrilling two-wicket win at home to Hyde.

The outcome looked forlorn when Jackson arrived at the crease with Farley on 110-6 chasing Hyde’s target of 230.

Initially watchful, he added 56 with Simon Wakeford – the only member of Farley’s top order who survived a frenetic start. After Wakeford fell for a composed 58, Jackson took charge. He found a staunch ally in number 10 Jake Hand, who scored just 1 in a decisive stand of 57 as Jackson dispatched anything loose. A sixth six high over the square leg boundary took Farley over the line with four overs to spare, Jackson finishing on 87 not out.

It came after Hand had played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming six victims with his flight and turn. They included the prize scalp of Hyde skipper Andy Sims for 77.

n Farley’s seconds had a chastening afternoon at Hunts Farm, as OTs and Romsey V racked up 283-3 with Lake plundering a 195no. Though never really in the hunt, there were solid knocks from Andy Stagg (45) and Pete Thompson (59) as Farley finished 196-7.