OAKSEY gained a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Fairford seconds in the match which was effectively a decider for the second promotion spot in CDCA Division Two.

SweetfuelsCDCA Div Two

Fairford II 158-9

Oaksey 162-1

Just 0.1 points separated the sides before the game but it was Oaksey who came out on top, backing up a strong all-round team performance in the field with excellent knocks from opening batsmen Tom Cook and Roger Gillespie.

Asked to bat first, Fairford's openers weathered the early storm of a hostile spell from Sam Kingsbury and had batted their team into the strong position of 83 without loss by the half-way point in the innings.

Rich Cowley (60) and Paul Freeman (49) both batted impressively but fell relatively soon after the drinks break. The rest of the home side failed to build on this platform, nobody else reaching double figures as Oaksey bowled tightly and fielded sharply.

Matt Denney was the pick of the visitors' bowlers, finishing with the excellent figures of 5-1-17-5 as Oaksey were the happier of the two teams with Fairford's final total of 158-9.

Tom Cook led their reply with some crisp shots, particularly through the on-side. He deserved to carry his bat but eventually succumbed to cramp, retiring hurt on 70. Roger Gillespie provided staunch support on his way to 46 before finally becoming the only wicket for Fairford, caught by Colin Denness off Guy Bailey.

Fairford tried hard in the field, young bowlers Charlie Bailey and Olly Holland both beating the bat regularly. However, they could not find a way through and Oaksey reached their victory target comfortably, off the first ball of the 37th over.