Townsend's 75 runs fails to save Fairford from defeat (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Townsend's 75 runs fails to save Fairford from defeat

DESPITE a blistering 50-ball boundary-laden innings of 75 by Derek Townsend, Fairford slumped to a third consecutive league loss, the four-run margin flattering the losing team who were let down by indifferent batting.

But Fairford made a good start after inserting their hosts. Jones, on his return from injury and bowling at a lively pace, took two early wickets and, after Bennett, in his first match chipped in with a further scalp, Frampton looked vulnerable at 45-3.

Huxtep, however, enjoyed lots of luck in an innings of 67 and, aided by Paul, the pair added 98 in brisk time, rattling the score to 143-3 after just 30 overs.

Moreing broke the partnership and the back of the innings with three quick wickets and, in tandem with Newport, the pair reined in the scoring.

Newport harried the tail in taking 3-35 as Frampton were kept to a modest and very gettable total of 190.

Fairford's reply was at first a one-man show as Townsend, from the very first over, scored freely and undisturbed by the loss of two early wickets.

Townsend rattled off 11 fours and two sixes, dominating the crease and scoring almost at will - until he fell with the score at 88 off just 15 overs.

It was a momentum soon lost as Town began to struggle, losing two further wickets as they slumped to 103-5.

Although Grey and Lee Clarke put together a useful 46, Town had already lost the initiative and were now behind the required rate.

When this partnership was finally broken, four quick wickets fell until last-pair frolics by Bennett took Fairford almost to the brink of victory.