Nathan Thorpe hit a stunning century for Farnham but it was not enough to save his side from defeat.

Farnham hit 197 in their allotted 55 overs in the Surrey Championship Division 2 match, but Bank of England knocked off the runs for the loss of seven wickets.

In an exhilarating clash, Bank of England won the toss and elected to bowl.

Farnham’s opening partnership of Thorpe and Jamie Strachan provided a solid start, negotiating the opening spell of the impressive Winder and veteran Metcalfe but also finding the boundary with sufficient regularity. 

Strachan was the first to be dismissed as he looked to show aggression to the first change spin option. 

At the other end Thorpe continued his impressive scoring display, scoring all round the ground to keep the score ticking over. 

This was vitally important as Farnham’s middle order struggled to find their rhythm as Bank of England’s spinners bowled tightly, limiting the flow of runs and picking up regular wickets, with no-one able to support Thorpe who at this time had reached a chanceless 50. 

Mike O’Mahony joined Thorpe and the pair began to build the first real partnership since the opening stand. 

Thorpe continued in his free-scoring manner and reached a magnificent century before he was dismissed caught behind off the returning Winder for 102 from 146 balls, including 16 boundaries. 

O’Mahony’s experienced hitting accelerated the scoring before he fell for an enterprising and better than run-a-ball 26. 

Young debutant Gerry Wells-Cole showed tremendous bravery having been hit twice on the body by Winder to smash the penultimate ball of the innings over extra cover for four. 

His 14 from 19 balls contributed to Farnham’s total of 197.

With a target to defend, Farnham’s players were determined and eager to take early wickets. 

Rob Goldsworthy and George Osbourne opened the bowling, and their early breakthroughs were crucial for Farnham as Bank of England found themselves at 37 for three.

Goldsworthy in particular was superb as his first nine overs yielded two wickets and six maidens. 

However, a strong partnership of more than 100 runs by Bank of England shifted the momentum in their favour, putting them in a commanding position. 

Farnham chopped and changed the bowling but nothing seemed to make a difference as the Bankers continued to up their rate at a relentless pace. 

It was at this crucial juncture that century-maker Thorpe intervened, breaking through to dismiss both well-settled batsmen. 

Thorpe’s impressive bowling performance didn’t stop there, as he went on to claim two more wickets, reducing the visitors to seven down with more than 40 runs still needed for victory.

With the game hanging in the balance, Farnham couldn’t find a way to capture the remaining wickets, resulting in a narrow three-wicket defeat.

It was another close loss for Farnham, who now turn their attention to the upcoming match against Dorking, aiming to regroup and bounce back.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Farnham showcased their fighting spirit and determination throughout the match. 

The outstanding performances by Nathan Thorpe with the bat and ball were the highlights of the game.