FAIRFORD took full advantage for an early season loss, inflicting a 171-run defeat on struggling Witcombe who were made to suffer all afternoon.

Fairford posted a season high 263-4, after losing Brothers first ball.

Leadbetter carried his bat for 83. He accelerated the scoring when needed and was content at the end to watch the fruits of his work.

Townsend produced another potent innings and scored 56 at a run a ball before falling when he should have been set for a major score.

Gray and youngster Williams both stayed with their skipper, who by now passed a second 50 against Witcombe, adding even time runs against a tiring attack.

Entering at 168-4 with 10 overs remaining, Greener finally demoralised the visitors with an explosive display of aggressive shot-making, hitting 50 of his runs in boundaries.

In reply Witcombe had a dreadful start. Newport, bowling at his quickest all season, took a wicket first ball, another within moments, and conceded just six runs in his spell.

Bird was among the wickets at the other end, and after six overs Witcombe were 14-4.

The introduction of Moreing ensured the end of Witcombe as he bowled impressively to return his first five-wicket haul of the season.

n ALMOST 440 runs were scored on a good wicket at Birdlip as the hosts squeezed home against Cirencester in a fine game of cricket.

Batting first, Cirencester quickly lost in-form opener Reynolds, and Walker and Graham were restricted to 26 off the first 15 overs.

The next 12 overs, however, conceded 101 as Donwill Rodrigues blasted three sixes and six fours in a quickfire 67, a spectacular first 50 in England.

With strong support from Walker and then the promoted Robbins, this inspired Turton, Jeffcott and Clayton all to play their best cricket of the year and lift Cirencester to 218, with 41 coming from the last five overs.

Tight bowling and fielding would then have secured victory. They fielded well, but the bowling was not consistent, conceding 27 extras.

Wickets fell steadily, with Jeffcott back to his best with 3-15 off five overs. But Birdlip, thanks to Ward's unbeaten 51, clung on to win by two wickets.