Sweetfuels CDCA Div Two

Fairford 200-7 Coates 212-4

COATES beat Fairford seconds by 12 runs in a closely-fought, high-scoring match at Fairford on Saturday.

Coates' score of 212-4 was built on an excellent innings of 96 by opener Howard Auster.

His main support came from Age Seakins, who made 53 as Fairford struggled to control the visitors, hampered by limited bowling options and a below-par performance in the field.

Graham Clarke produced a fine opening spell of 10-1-27-2, while Olly Holland had precious little luck again, bowling at a lively pace and beating the bat regularly but taking only one wicket.

Rich Cowley (50) and David Taylor (49) gave the hosts a real chance of victory with a century opening partnership in good time.

However, the required run rate climbed steadily during the second half of their innings, despite the best efforts of Will Bathurst (27) and Simon Embleton-Smith (22).

All five of Coates' bowlers took at least one wicket, Chaz Robinson and J Thomas leading the way with two each. Fairford finished on 200-7.