FAIRFORD defeated a strong Aston Ingham side by 45 runs in a good natured, hard fought game at Fairford's Park Street ground.

Readers Glos CCL Div Three

Fairford 236-9

Aston Ingham 191 all out

The home side had no hesitation in batting after winning the toss and their decision was quickly rewarded as openers Chris Clayton and Lee Clark celebrated yet another century partnership in only the 18th over.

It was Clark's turn to play the supporting role as Clayton set about the opposition bowling with gusto, playing some fine shots to all parts of the ground.

The pair took the score to 129 before Clark (31) was undone by a yorker from Tim Dulson. Clayton continued to dominate the attack bringing up his maiden century for Fairford with a glorious six over long off and looked ready to really take the bowling apart before Austin Johnson surprised him with one that nipped back to bowl him for a beautifully crafted 109.

With overs and wickets in hand Fairford looked to accelerate but the middle order stuttered with only Derek Townsend reaching double figures as he made a welcome return to form with a well paced 53.

Opening bowler Jack Carpenter picked up quick wickets at the death to finish with 3-33 as Fairford finished on 236-9.

The Aston Ingham reply never really got going as wickets fell at regular intervals, with Will Bowers bowling the dangerous Carpenter for only six in a good opening spell before running out Andy Wood with a direct hit after a mix-up between the batsmen.

Captain Andy Bevan was clean bowled by Colin Bullock for just two and while opener Simon Hodges (64) provided dogged resistance along with Tom Parsons (38) and Dulson (28) the rate required steadily rose.

A series of injudicious shots saw the end of the remaining batsmen, with part-time bowler Craig Muir picking up 4-20 as the Aston Ingham run chase petered out in the 41st over with the score on 191.