FARNHAM moved back into second place behind Camberley and, with just two games remaining, must have a decent chance of regaining their Surrey Championship Division One status.

They host Worcester Park this Saturday and finish the league season with a trip to another mid-table side, Chessington, on September 3.

Last Saturday’s home meeting with rock-bottom Purley was a must-win game, but heavy rain overnight and in the morning put the fixure in doubt.

Farnham were greeted by a wet wicket at the Park and standing water on the outfield. They set to work with all the gear they could muster and their hard work, combined with sunshine and a breeze, allowed the sides to eventually toss at 2pm for a 37 overs contest.

Farnham were inserted on the soft track and an important opening stand of 51 between Guy Hicks and Nathan Thorpe paved the way for the partnership of the day.

Toby Ward, brought in from the seconds, immediately made his intentions clear by flicking the ball into the moat with his second scoring shot.

The young batsman never strayed from a ruthless brand of cricket as he dispatched the ball to all parts with a combination of powerful textbook shots and innovative whacks and flicks into unusual areas.

Ward raced to his 50 off 34 balls, while Thorpe cruised along at the other end with his usual style and concentration.

For his second 50, Ward went into overdrive and reached his century in a mere 54 balls.

The partnership of 156 made great viewing and only ended at 207 when Thorpe was caught and bowled by Sam Edwards for 72 off 70 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

Seven runs later, Ward was caught for 103, having faced just 58 balls, hit 13 fours and launched six sixes.

Ciaran Rooney and Josh Berry got in on the act, while Jamie Strachan, also called up from the twos, weighed in with 32 off 14 balls, including three sixes.

At the end of their 37 overs, Farnham were out of sight at 294-7.

It was glory or nothing for Purley, but an early breakthrough by Rob Goldsworthy was followed by an escalating run-rate and the visitors were never in contention.

Overseas player Jason Batson and James Scott showed spirited resistance, with skipper Scott striking a defiant 60 from 48 balls.

But spinners Thorpe and Chris Terry worked their way through the middle order, taking three wickets apiece, and after a late flurry of runs from Short (27), Purley were dismissed for 159 in 27.3 overs.