A resounding 10-wicket victory over third-placed Avorians underlined the progress being made by Farnham.

Winning the toss two weeks running, Farnham asked the Cobham side to bat on a slow, low wicket, giving very little lateral movement.

Batting should have been uncomplicated, but Avorians struggled against Aubrey Steyn and Peter Dickinson with the new ball. Dickinson had dangerman Matt Dakin caught at mid-on and Graham Crawford, after a couple of clean strikes, was bowled trying to pull a good-length ball from Steyn.

Patrick Murphy joined the attack and, bowling with precision, caused a collapse as four batsmen played on via bat or pad and Pearce was trapped lbw.

While Murphy was picking up his five good wickets at one end, Dan Kirkland spun through a few tidy overs. Number 9 Hinds struck some powerful blows, taking the total up to 116 before Dickinson finally found the yorker he wanted to end the innings on a modest 116.

With Alan Thorpe unavailable and skipper Gary Clapham opting to drop down the order, Farnham changed tactics in the run chase and opened with Tom Hicks and Simon Hollingsworth.

The pair were up to the job and quickly got on top of the bowling. Both gave no chances and played sensibly, running well between the wicket.

Once past 40 with no loss, Avorians were silenced and virtually beaten. Hicks accelerated the run-rate, reaching a fine half-century in just 50 balls, while Hollingsworth batted attractively in support. Their century partnership came up in the 24th over and, shortly afterwards, the game was over.

Hicks finished on 80 not out, with Hollingsworth unbeaten on 28.

avorians

M Dakin c Stedman b Dickinson 0

G Crawford b Steyn 6

C Pearce lbw Murphy 36

A Umpleby c T Hicks b Dickinson 3

D Umpleby b Murphy 8

N Foster b Murphy 11

A Golder b Murphy 7

J King lbw Kirkland 1

J Hinds b Dickinson 28

P Huntley b Murphy 5

C Hill not out 1

Extras 10

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Total 116

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Bowling: P Dickinson 3-51, A Steyn 1-20, P Murphy 5-25, D Kirkland 1-16.

farnham

S Hollingsworth not out 28

T Hicks not out 80

Extras 12

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Total (total for 0 wkts) 120