FARLEY first XI were not in action over the weekend but the second team, who are currently 14th in the Regional Division 2 North West, enjoyed a morale-boosting win at home to Michelmersh & Timsbury II, who are just one place above the Wiltshire side, winning by 185 runs.

Batting first, the old firm of Keith Redding and Andy Stagg got Farley off to a fine start, adding 70 before Redding was bowled by a ball that kept low for 40 which included five fours.

Stagg progressed to 45, hitting four fours in the process, before he fell as Farley faltered to 134-5.

That brought Andy Redding to the crease to join debutant Archie Ayling, and the pair immediately settled nerves.

Running well between the wickets and feasting on anything loose, they added 116 in just 11 overs.

Redding fell for 27, which included four fours, but Ayling continued in dazzling vein, racing into the 90s with some murderous pulls and lofted drives. His century was greeted with cheers from the crowd.

Ayling was bowled for 115, which included 11 fours and seven sixes with the score on 302, but Harry Jenkins kept up the momentum, his swift 25 not out seeing Farley to 326-9.

Michelmersh started solidly in the face of some lively bowling from Ed Stagg and Ayling. The openers added 50 before Taylor was run out for 33 - the first of three batsmen to fall that way.

Jake Hand settled into a good rhythm, taking 2-30 in his ten overs and, though the fourth wicket pair added 68, wickets fell regularly after that to leave Michelmersh all out for 141. Stagg finished with 1-29.

Both sides are back in action on Saturday, July 22, with the first team at home against Burley first XI and the seconds are away against St Mary Bourne first XI.