FARNHAM’S hopes of victory over local rivals Camberley were dashed by Trevor McGeer who bludgeoned 46 off 22 balls, including six sixes, to bring the game to an early finish.

Camberley chose to bowl first at the Park in the Surrey Championship Division One match and it looked a good decision as Farnham slipped to 30-3, with Paul Stephens taking all three wickets.

Ciaran Rooney and George Hellyer rebuilt the innings with an excellent partnership of 95 before vice-captain Rooney was adjudged lbw to Sam Holmes for 35.

Hellyer continued to accumulate runs in his forceful style, often with powerful shots over the top, and reached his 50 with a six (one of four) into the car park.

Jim Berry helped him add 30 and, at 157, Hellyer was caught off the returning Stephens for an entertaining 65 off 85 balls. This was Hellyer’s last innings for the club before he moves to Dubai and Farnham will miss the top-order batsman who has scored well over 400 runs this season.

Ben Ungaretti struck a fast 26 not out and Farnham posted 197-8 off their 50 overs, Stephens finishing with 4-25 from ten very tight overs.

Camberley, as usual, came out hard. Rob Goldsworthy picked up the important early wicket of Todd Hutcheson, but Warren Ekstraal and captain Max Shoveller took the attack to the bowlers in a stand of 70, with South African Ekstraal scoring a damaging 63 from 47 balls.

Farnham held their nerve and Tom Grimes rotated his bowlers. Ekstraal eventually mistimed a shot and was well caught by Toby Davies off Rob Dale.

The game then twisted and turned as Rooney and Dale took further wickets and, at 147-5, Farnham were still in contention.

However, Tim Hughes was joined by McGeer who, in less than four overs, settled the issue with his brutal assault. Camberley won by five wickets with 10 overs to spare.

Farnham remain comfortably in mid-table, but now face two tough away fixtures against Sutton and Banstead – first and second in the Division One table – before entertaining bottom side Walton in their final match on September 2.