Taylor's all-round efforts in vain after home loss

Captain Dan Moss inserted the visitors, who were soon in trouble against Holmewood’s new ball pairing.

James Taylor and Jay Horton reduced them to 43 for four. Aided by some excellent catching, veteran Taylor returned season best figures of four for 43 from 11 overs.

Marehay found the going slightly easier following the end of Taylor’s spell, and responded with partnerships of 62 and 67 for the fifth and sixth wickets respectively.

Marehay captain Gaz Buckley batted with great application for a measured 74 not out, an innings which was ultimately the difference between the sides.

In reply to 209 for six, Holmewood, who went second bottom, lost both openers early.

Bright prospects Jack Jarvis (20) and Luke Slater (16) dug in, but wickets either side of a 30-minute rain break ultimately cost them.

At 73 for six Holmewood were boosted by runs for tailenders Jamie Horton (27), James Taylor (22) and Steve Fisher (16*), but once Taylor was tempted into an inciscrete shot by Buckley, Adam Bromley removed Holmewood’s last two batsmen.

Bromley had four wickets for 29 runs in eight overs.