FARLEY claimed a fourth win on the bounce in a rain-reduced encounter at St Mary Bourne in Regional Division 1 North to move into third.

Having been inserted on a dampish track, Ian Swain continued his good form, punishing the plentiful short bowling as he hit eight boundaries in his 34. Mike Covill played a more patient hand, accumulating a pivotal 62 that saw Farley well poised on 136-3 with ten overs to go.

But, as the home side took the pace off the ball, Farley faltered, stumbling to 151-8 before Jake Hand swept a couple of late boundaries. Farley finished 166-8, a total that felt a little below par. Rob King ended with 4-28 for St Mary Bourne.

Ted Glanvill and Phil Owen then delivered outstanding spells that effectively won Farley the game. Glanvill bowled with pace and unexpected intelligence, and his figures of 1-14 off seven were scant reward. If he was feeling any frustration, a brilliant pick-up and direct hit from fine leg released some of the tension. Owen’s variations meant his ten overs went for just 17, and when Paul Roberts struck with his first ball, St Mary Bourne were struggling at 31-4 off 17 overs.

The fifth wicket pair staged something of a recovery, but when the heavens opened eight overs later they were still well behind the required rate at 68-4.

THE introduction of bowler Arran Musselwhite wrapped up Dinton 2nd XV’s second victory of the term as Farley, declared 75 all out, succumbed to defeat.

Musselwhite played a crucial part in the 129-run victory by taking six wickets.