A STRONG team performance allowed Parley to overcome stubborn Ellingham B by 73 runs in the under-nine Softball Cup final.

Put in to bat at Bransgore Cricket Club, Parley reached 279 for two as Felix Collins clubbed 24.

He was ably supported by his fellow batsmen, with Sidney Farney and captain Harry Lancaster chipping in with eight runs apiece.

Ellingham showed plenty of endeavour in their fielding and Merlin Cork and Finn Hatcher worked hard to stop boundaries.

Deyaan Mistry impressed most with the ball as he recorded figures of two for 20 off three overs.

Fellow bowlers Zack Basey and Barnaby Williams also caught the eye, with Williams securing a maiden off his last over.

In reply, Ellingham fought gamely against the blistering bowling of their opponents.

Basey (12), Jamie Workman (10) and Mistry (nine) top-scored, but in the end Parley were just too strong.

Max Sparshott took three for 13 and Collins, Lancaster and Luke East grabbed two wickets apiece.

Ferris Welstead claimed the other victim as Ellingham were dismissed for 206.

Parley: Luke East, Jack East, Max Sparshott, Sidney Farney, Harry Lancaster, George Rogers, Felix Collins, Ferris Welstead.

Ellingham B: Merlin Cork, Barnaby Williams, Jamie Workman, Finn Hatcher, Deyaan Mistry, Zack Basey, Dan Giller, Jem Spry.