another abject performance by Fairford saw them defeated for the fourth match in a row, this time at relegation-threatened Newent.

Asked to bat first on a wet wicket, the new opening pair of Townsend and Moreing made hay against some short pitched bowling before the introduction of Fabian saw both openers and Gray dismissed in the space of three overs.

Newport top-scored with 37 as Fairford totalled a defendable 163-8.

Clarke took an early wicket, but a rapid innings by the big-hitting Henry settled matters as Newent reached 164-4, despite two wickets for McGrath, who made an impressive debut.