Fairford CC exact revenge for an early season defeat (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford CC exact revenge for an early season defeat

FAIRFORD CC 1st XI took full revenge for their early season loss, inflicting a 171-run defeat on a struggling Witcombe side made to suffer all Saturday afternoon.

In fact, Town posted a season high of 263 for the loss of just four wickets.

After losing Brothers first ball, Fairford were indebted to a diligent innings by Leadbeater, who, in carrying his bat for 83, laid the foundation for those around him to bat Witcombe out of the match.

Careful against the early movement, he accelerated the scoring when needed and was content at the end to watch the fruit of his work.

Townsend produced another potent innings and flayed 56 at a run a ball before falling when he should have been set for a major score.

Gray and youngster Williams both stayed with their skipper, who by now passed a second 50 against Witcombe, adding even time runs against a tiring attack.

Entering at 168-4 with ten overs remaining, Greener finally demoralised the visitors with explosive display.

With aggressive shot making, he hit 50 of his runs in boundaries and, with Leadbeater also milking the bowling, the pair took Town well out of reach.

In reply, Witcombe had a dreadful start. Newport, bowling at his quickest all season, took a wicket first ball, another within just minutes and was looking as if he would take a wicket with every ball.

In the end, he conceded just six runs in his spell. Bird, like his partner, quick into the wickets and, after six overs, Witcombe were 14-4.

Some resistance enforced change as Town sought full bonus points, but Clarke enjoyed little luck.

But the Fairford fielding, with the exception of Bullock, was not to its recent standard.

The introduction of the impressive Moreing ensured the end of Witcombe as he ran through the remaining batsmen to return his first five-wicket haul of the season.