Newent CC suffered a Gloucestershire Cricket League Division Three defeat on Saturday after Fairford CC chased down their total with more than 10 overs to spare.

Batting first at Fairford's Park Street Ground, Newent posted 165-9 from their allotted 40 overs, with Paul Carter leading the way with an unbeaten 41.

The visitors made a solid start through Jack Cowles and Mike Mason, who shared an opening stand of 57. Cowles struck six boundaries in his 30 before being trapped lbw by William Doar.

Mason added 26 from 64 balls before becoming Fairford's third wicket, while Ollie Corston chipped in with four.

Newent's innings was anchored by Carter, who remained unbeaten throughout and struck six fours in a patient knock of 41. Ben Allard contributed 19, while captain Neil Roche added a quickfire 10, including a six.

However, wickets fell regularly during the closing stages as Fairford's bowlers kept the scoring in check. Kevin Smart proved particularly effective, claiming 4-19 from eight overs, while William Bowers took 2-20 and Doar finished with 2-16.

Newent were also helped by 24 extras as they reached 165.

Fairford made light work of the chase, reaching 166-3 in just 29.1 overs.

Christopher Clayton provided the early momentum with 34 before Liam Devries claimed the breakthrough. Harry Collister added eight before Ben Allard struck, but Newent struggled to build sustained pressure.

Jay Goddard anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42, while William Bowers scored 29 and Will Hartley finished 28 not out as Fairford eased to victory.

Newent's wicket-takers were shared between Devries, Allard and Cowles, who each claimed one scalp.

The defeat leaves Newent with four points from the match, while Fairford collected 19 points after securing the win and additional batting and bowling bonuses in Division Three.