BIDHAN Giri’s glorious 137 set Farley on the way to a crushing win over Basingstoke & North Hants thirds, writes Paul Roberts.

Arriving at the crease in the first over after the hosts had struck an initial blow, Giri was quickly into his stride, sending cuts and drives skimming across the fast outfield.

He found a perfect ally in Manny Gurung, the third wicket pair adding 142 in less than 20 overs. They matched one another stroke for stroke - after Giri lofted consecutive balls for six in one over, Gurung cleared deep mid wicket twice in a row the next.

Both perished to decent catches, Gurung for 66 from 56 balls, while Giri’s knock came from 113, with 18 fours and four sixes.

Dan Jackson and Geoff Ramsey (37no) took Farley past the 300 mark.

Marc and Sam Burton then both struck early blows, thanks to safe hands from Sam Waters and keeper Jon Burton. Ramsey ripped through the middle order on his way to a four-wicket haul, as Basingstoke were all out for 85.

At home, Farley’s second team made a good start against Dinton, with a 121 opening partnership between Harry Jenkins (83) and Craig Burrows (47).

But the total of 171-5 wasn’t enough against Dinton’s powerful batting line-up, the visitors winning by seven wickets in the 31st over. Ben Coombs made 58 and Andy O’Neil 49 for the visitors.