Sweetfuels CDCA Div Two

South Cerney 130 all out

Fairford II 142 all out

FAIRFORD seconds won a low-scoring game on a dry and difficult wicket at South Cerney by just 12 runs.

Asked to bat first, Fairford's top order laid a solid platform. Paul Freeman (45), Colin Denness (23) and David Taylor (19) all made useful contributions.

However, the momentum swing towards the home side, for whom Garrick Chivers (3-24) and Chris Wearing (4-39) bowled particularly well.

Mike Bowman played what turned out to be the crucial innings, scoring 22 valuable runs (not out) towards the end to push the visitors' total up to 142 all out in 37 overs.

South Cerney's reply started briskly before Guy Bailey removed the dangerous Chivers, whose 31 included one huge six over the clubhouse. Fairford's catching played a big part in winning the match, Mike Bowman (two) and Freeman taking difficult chances in the deep as wickets fell regularly.

Dave Wheeler batted very well, marshalling the tail skilfully to move the home side within sight of victory. However, Tom Freeman stepped up to finish things off for Fairford. He held a sharp catch off the bowling of Colin Denness to remove Wheeler for 30 and then took the final wicket in the next over, ending young Harry Jones's brave effort. South Cerney were all out for 130 in the 35th over.

All Fairford's bowlers played their part in the win. Guy Bailey (4-35) and Colin Denness (3-31) took the majority of the wickets. They were well supported by Tom Freeman and youngsters Charlie Bailey and Aidan Van Der Heiden, who all chipped in with a wicket each.