Sweetfuels CDCA Div Two

Fairford II 208 all out; Tetbury II 211-6

TETBURY seconds just edged a tight game at Fairford in CDCA Division Two despite the Herculean all-round efforts of Del Townsend on his return to cricket from a badly dislocated finger.

Asked to bat first, the visitors lost two early wickets before P Jones put them on the front foot with a well-struck 97. He received strong support from the Leather family, Ryan making 41 and Scott 21. Townsend was the pick of the home bowlers with the well-deserved figures of 10-1-46-4.

Rich Bennett took the other two wickets to fall and young Chaz Bailey proved the most economical bowler, conceding only 19 runs from his six overs. Tetbury finished on 211-6 from their full 40 overs, several of which were played as the forecast showers fell.

Fairford's reply was dominated by Townsend, who scored a majestic 137, while no one else managed to get into double figures.

None of the top order could stay with him for any length of time, as opening bowlers Joseph Sharpe and Andy Insull took wickets regularly, finishing with three apiece.

However, Alex Paton (1) came in and blocked resolutely for a dozen overs, allowing Townsend to take Fairford to the brink of an unlikely victory.

He eventually holed out to deep square leg off the bowling of Jake Martin with less than 20 runs still required.

The best efforts of the home side's young tail ended just three runs short as Jamie Ponting wrapped the innings up with 2-9 to great on-field celebrations.

The final wicket fell to the first ball of the 33rd over.