FAIRFORD seconds beat Ashton Keynes by 42 runs in a high-scoring game in conditions made for batting at their Park Street ground.

Sweetfuels CDCA Div Two

Fairford II 203-6

Ashton Keynes (161 all out)

The visitors' decision to bowl first paid early dividends with two quick wickets for impressive opener Chris Yates (4-33. However, the experienced trio of Paul Freeman, Colin Denness and Simon Embleton-Smith all made well-struck half-centuries, each making the most of chances dropped in the outfield on a hot afternoon.

The home side maintained a strike-rate of five an over through their innings to finish on 203-6.

Opening bat George Ford gave Ashton Keynes a chance, attacking strongly from the start of their reply on his way to an excellent 54. However, Fairford stuck to their task well, holding on to several good catches.

Tom Freeman and Colin Denness controlled things in the middle of the innings, both bowling their 10 overs straight through for three wickets each.

The home side were looking good when they took the seventh wicket in the 25th over with 115 on the board. However, Chris Yates led a late rally with 27 not out and Louis Cusack and Paul Morris needed to bowl tightly at the death to ensure victory.

They did so with Cusack taking 2-20 and running out the last batsman to leave Ashton Keynes all out on 161 in the 39th over.