Sweetfuels CDCA Div Two

Fairford 2nd XI 256-6

Longborough & Sezincote 117 all out

FAIRFORD made a fine start to their season in the second division of the Cotswold District League with a victory over newly-promoted Longborough & Sezincote.

Victory was built around an excellent opening century stand between David Taylor (69) and Louis Cusack.

Both players scored more fluently as the innings progressed and were helped by two 'sevens' in the same over, a most unusual occurrence.

Cusack’s debut at the top of the order was particularly impressive, with his 73 including nine fours and a six.

Simon Embleton-Smith (35*), Richard Young (20) and James Alborough (16*) all made valuable contributions, as Longborough's slow left-armer Malcolm Hope took 4-40.

The visitors were bowled out for 117 in the 34th over after Joe Newbold followed up a good bowling spell with an exciting knock of 41 and always looked dangerous until Alborough caught him at deep extra cover. Young Ryan Theron caught the eye with a composed 21.

Fairford’s bowling effort was led by 16-year-old Charlie Bailey who was not at all flattered by figures of 10-4-30-4.

Young found some early-season form with 3-41 and Colin Denness wrapped up the innings with customary efficiency. His 2-10 included the last wicket courtesy of a diving, one-handed catch at silly mid-off by Alex Paton.