AN unbeaten 124 from Geoff Ramsey provided the platform for Farley's 133-run victory over Ellingham II in County Division 4 West.

Ramsey enjoyed one huge slice of fortune, when he edged a ball onto his stumps but did not dislodge the bails.

But that was the only chance he offered in a knock full of pugnacious drives, as he saw Farley to a season's best total of 280-4.

After Mike Covill fell for 42, Ramsey's partner for much of the time was Ted Glanvill, who fully justified his promotion to number 4 in the order with his first league half-century. He reached the landmark with a withering pull for six, eventually falling for 61 as he tried to up an already impressive run rate. The stand had been worth 161, and put Farley firmly in control at the halfway point.

Ellingham began their response steadily, adding 58 before the first wicket fell to Lewis Wakeford, courtesy of a juggling Covill catch in the gully. But the introduction of Jake Hand proved decisive. The Ellingham middle order tried to attack Hand, but fell victim to his teasing flight, as 82-1 became 110-8 in an 11 over spell. Hand picked up five quick wickets, while Phil Owen settled into a good rhythm at the other end, removing top scorer Lee Slater for 33. Some lusty blows from number nine Brad Hammans (25*) put a slight dent in Hand's figures, but Owen ensured there would be no sting in the tail, clean bowling the last two batsmen to finish with 4-29. Ellingham were all out for 147.

It was a second win in two weeks for Farley's second team, this time by a comfortable margin of eight wickets away to New Milton IV.

Farley's opening attack gave the hosts few freebies, and eventually the pressure told. Paul Webster, in his first League game of the season, claimed three top order scalps while there was a sharp run out from George Manston in his first league game for several seasons! In-form Gary Seymour then proved too wily for the lower order, and Milton were all out for 117 in 35 overs.

Andy Stagg and Keith Redding negotiated a tight opening spell, putting on a half-century stand before Stagg fell for 30. But Redding, in company first with Pete and then Adam Thompson, saw Farley home with ten overs to spare.