FARLEY recorded a much-needed win at home to Fawley seconds in County Division 4 West - but made hard work of it.

Farley's opening pair of Simon Wakeford and Mike Covill quickly found their stride, both finding the boundary with ease from the start. But - in what was to prove a familiar pattern - both fell when looking set.

Wakeford was undone by a swinging yorker for 13 and Covill was caught at the second attempt for a crisp 34. Each of the Farley middle order then made it into double figures, but none scored more than Adam Thompson's 22, as Farley subsided to a sorry 155-8 with 12 overs to go.

But the tail finally showed some resolve. Harry Jenkins made a stylish 20, while holding things together was debutant Ed Nash. The 14-year-old showed impressive composure and some fine timing, as he added 33 with Jenkins and a further 32 with Paul Roberts, to take Farley to 220-9. Nash finished on 21 not out, having given the Farley attack something to work with.

Ted Glanvill and Lewis Wakeford both found a good rhythm from the start. Wakeford induced Steve Rice to nick one in his first over, but the ball passed between keeper and slip. Glanvill trapped opening partner Nason leg before, but Rice and Palmer added 49 before a mix-up gave Farley their second wicket. Jake Hand (3-37) and Paul Roberts began to turn the screw, reducing Fawley to 95-6 before Nash claimed skipper Church with his second ball.

Fawley needed 112 off the last 13 overs, but Rice was still there, and as the seamers returned, went on the offensive. Young Bailey Parrott kept him company and the pair added 63 in ten overs before Rice skied Glanvill, Jake Hand taking a good catch. Glanvill then removed Parrott for 28 but the final pair kept finding the boundary to make for a tight finish. It came to the last over with Fawley needing 19, but Glanvill kept his nerve and Fawley only managed eight.

Farley's second team will be hoping for a full complement of players. With only eight men, they fell to a heavy defeat at league leaders Hyde seconds.