FAIRFORD 2nd XI beat Cricklade 2nd XI by 139 runs at home on Saturday in CDCA Division Two.

The visitors played with only seven men for the majority of Fairford’s innings (an eighth player arriving in time for the final few overs).

They stuck to their difficult task admirably and good-naturedly but were unable to prevent Louis Cusack (51) and David Taylor (72, retired not out) bringing up a century opening partnership in good time.

Fairford again batted well as a team, seven of the eight batsmen to face a ball getting well into double figures.

Will Findlay-Wilson (38) and Olly Holland (26) impressed with some clean hitting in the middle order before Simon Embleton-Smith (30*) and Paul Freeman (25) took the home side’s final score up to 280/6 (without running any three’s).

Having led by example in the field, visiting captain M. Gilmore opened Cricklade’s reply in positive style, taking full advantage of any loose balls on his way to a well-made 69.

He received solid support from P. Heads (26*) but 281 to win always looked a distant target.

Fairford used seven bowlers in their efforts to bowl the opposition out but could only take five wickets in the full 40 overs, one each for Will Chapman, Alice Mundy, Will Findlay-Wilson, Olly Holland and Paul Freeman.

Alice (who is playing for Gloucestershire Under 15 Girls this season) deserves special mention for her debut bowl for Fairford.

Having been surprised and delighted by a personal “good luck” video message from England captain, Heather Knight before the game, she bowled with great skill, coming on first change to concede only 12 runs from five overs before returning to take the prize wicket of Gilmore in her second spell and finish with figures of 8-1-27-1.