A CLASSY unbeaten 75 from Iain De Weymarn saw Farley to victory in their County Division Four West top-of-the-table clash with Bournemouth III, writes PAUL ROBERTS.

Showing a full face in defence and capitalising on anything short, De Weymarn was the only batsman on either side who seemed wholly settled in the face of some quality bowling.

Marc Burton, as usual, had led the way for Farley, claiming four wickets in his opening spell after the visitors had elected to bat.

From 35-4, Bournemouth’s middle order showed some resistance. Elliot Baczala hit some fine drives in his half century before Manny Gurung found a little extra to get him caught behind.

Sam Waters then claimed a couple of quick wickets to leave Bournemouth on 124-8 before Reuben Kitson hit some late order runs to take his side to 165. Kitson was run out off the final ball for 43.

In response, Ramesh Gurung crashed some gorgeous boundaries on his way to a run a ball 35 – but was cut in half a few times by the bounce of Ollie Breckon.

The opening stand of 64 had given Farley an excellent platform, allowing the hosts to proceed watchfully against the wily Paul Garlick.

Runs came at the other end, despite a couple of unfortunate leg before decisions.

At 130-5, Geoff Ramsey joined De Weymarn and the pair ensured there were no more alarms.

The five wicket win puts Farley back on top with four games to play.

It was a tougher day for Farley’s seconds at Dinton in Regional Division Two North West.

Bowling first, Farley did an excellent job to dismiss their hosts for 92, with John Amos picking up three wickets.

However, Farley found batting just as tough, and despite a battling knock from skipper Craig Burrows and a few crisp blows from Tom Pugh, wickets kept tumbling Farley ending 11 runs short.

The defeat sees Farley slip to fourth in a tightly contested division.