FARLEY opened their 150th anniversary season in County Division 4 West with a comfortable win at an under-strength Suttoners II.

Despite three players still being stuck in the Bournemouth traffic, skipper Mike Covill gambled and inserted the home side.

He was rewarded with an outstanding opening spell from Ted Glanvill and Lewis Wakeford, who both bowled an excellent line.

Wakeford struck early, but Glanvill, despite beating the bat repeatedly, couldn’t force a breakthrough.

With the score barely creeping along, the Suttoners batsmen sought to attack change bowler Jake Hand from the start. But their attempts to force the pace were foiled by Hand’s flight and drift, two chances being smartly taken in the covers and a third victim playing on.

Number seven, Cody Hayman, played some fine strokes on his way to 35, but when the returning Glanvill splayed his stumps, it was left to Paul Roberts (3-6) to clear up the tail. Sutttoners were all out for 130 with ten overs to spare.

Simon Wakeford got the Farley response off to a flying start with two boundaries in the first over.

Mike Covill was quickly back into his stride, and the pair added 96 for the first wicket before Wakeford fell for 37. That brought Lewis Wakeford to the crease, and he timed the ball immaculately from the start. Covill fell for 66 from 53 balls, but Lewis (21*) saw Farley home with no further alarms for a maximum points victory to go top.

Farley’s seconds were left frustrated after Ellingham thirds pulled out on Saturday morning.