CRICKET: Fairford falter at Newent (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Overseas player Bell stars for Newent

12:40pm Monday 6th August 2012 in Sport

 

 Readers Glos CCL Div 2.

Newent 186-2.

Fairford 184-7. Fairford slumped to a disappointing eight-wicket defeat at Newent on Saturday.

Asking the visitors to bat on a hard, dry wicket the Newent captain obviously had the forecast rain in mind. He was right!

After a steady start the match was reduced to 37 overs a side after rain delayed play for an hour which obviously was not to Fairford’s advantage.

Newport provided the backbone of the Fairford innings with 61, while Hatton (29) and Townsend (35) provided the aggressive stroke play required in a shortened innings.

Newcomer Ellis added an unbeaten 17 as Fairford closed on 184-7 which was probably slightly below par on a good batting wicket. Overseas player Bell was the standout bowler, conceding just eight runs from his seven overs.

In reply, Lifely and Bell started steadily against King and Clarke with a few narrow escapes, but once settling they began to play shots all around the ground.

Fairford changed the bowlers in an attempt to make a much needed breakthrough but luck was not on their side.

Lifely was eventually caught and bowled by Bennett for an aggressive 77 and Gabb was caught by Townsend off Sam Young but it was too little, too late.

Bell batted on for an unbeaten 82 as Newent reached their target with seven overs to spare.