Farnham’s second team fell to a convincing 98-run defeat at Chertsey.
It was Farnham’s first away fixture of the season, and on a beautiful sunny day the visitors won the toss and put Chertsey into bat.
Farnham started well with the ball as George Osborne had Matthew Wiggins trapped in front in the first over.
Supported by a good spell from Kasun Sumanasakera, Osborne continued his fiery spell of tight bowling as Ben Greenstreet took a smart catch down the leg side and Daniel Wakely a good grab in the slips. Osborne then finished his opening spell with an incredible one-handed caught and bowled to leave Chertsey rocking at 54 for four.
With Farnham on the front foot and looking to assert the upper hand, batters Greg Burton and Cade Skelton fought back. Farnham toiled in the field, with a few dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities proving crucial despite some good bowling.
The momentum had changed and Chertsey enjoyed a long spell of good fortune and excellent batting to build a considerable score.
Osborne (five for 59) returned to break the partnership and earn himself a well-deserved five-for and end Burton’s fine innings on 101.
Skelton scored a classy 105 not out as Chertsey finished on 272 for five at the end of their allotted 50 overs.
Farnham opener Wakely led the visitors’ response with some classy shots and textbook drives, but Farnham struggled to provide support to their skipper and lost wickets at regular intervals.
Wakely’s hard-fought innings was ended when he was run out for a defiant 79. Roshan Kapur battled down the order with a gritty 20 not out, but Farnham slumped to a hard-fought 174 all out.
Farnham’s young team showed a lot of potential for a promising season, but the 98-run defeat leaves the second team still searching for their opening win of the season.