FAIRFORD returned to winning ways with a 38-run win over league leaders Apperley in a low-scoring game.

Asked to bat, the early loss of Townsend brought in Gray, and the veteran proceeded to get Fairford off to a flying start, producing a string of boundaries against some wayward quick bowling.

He dominated a stand of 59 before losing partner Leadbeater.

Newport continued his fine form of late and also found the boundary at regular intervals.

At 125 Newport lost his wicket and was soon followed by Gray, the latter striking 10 fours in his 66.

Of the remaining batsmen only Lee Clarke reached double figures and the innings fell badly away.

Fairford lost their last eight wickets for just 33 runs, and their total of 158 looked nowhere near enough against the league's most prolific run-getters.

Needing a good start, Ed Bird produced a masterful display of swing bowling, taking 4-25 gave town an advantage they were to tighten throughout the evening.

Leadbeater rotating his bowlers changed the luckless Graham Clarke for Townsend whose extra yard of pace brought another quick wicket.

At half way, with the game looking evenly poised, the introduction of Newport and Moreing closed the game for Fairford.

They were aided by some exceptional ground fielding from the youthful Bennett. Cook and Peyman in particular as town then strangled any reasonable scoring opportunities.

Moreing broke the only partnership of note as Newport clearing the tail and the spoils with 4-28 his best return of the season.

This was an impressive win for Fairford against a team investing in, and expecting, promotion, and continues the good start made by Fairford in all parts of their game.