A GRITTY team performance ensured a belated first win in the Gloucestershire County League for Fairford CC on a blisteringly hot Saturday afternoon at Park Street.

Batting first and and losing an early wicket, Town then began scoring freely against a moderate bowling attack that made the most of its limited resources.

Although no batsman went on to a major innings, their were a number of good efforts, Fairford captain Leadbeater setting the tone with a measured 38.

He enjoyed partnerships with Newport who, settling in well at the troubled no 3 spot, helped made 44, while another boundary-blazing knock of 34 from Townsend saw the hosts racing to 120-3 after 30 overs.

Fairford used this platform to get past the 200. Greener, who scored a nicely-made 42, was well supported by Lee Clarke who, almost unnoticed, compiled an elegant 45.

At the death, Graham Clarke, enjoying some freedom lower down, played some glorious drives as Town scored just short of 130 in the last 15 overs to close for a season's best of 249-8.

In the Fairford reply, Bird struck early and, although Messer took two early wickets, he came in for some punishment as Civil Service raced to 80-3 after just 15 overs.

Although Bird and the economical Moreing slowed the run rate, they could not separate the Williams brothers who put on 99 and looked to put their side in control at 140-3.

The partnership was broken as Morris dismissed both in quick succession. Town then regained control as more quick wickets and tight fielding squeezed the visitors.

In a challenging spell, Morris finished with 4-44 and also took the winning catch off Newport's bowling as the visitors were dismissed for 203.

This was a welcome win and 20 points for Fairford who are set to visit Birdlip this Saturday.