A Fairford RFC victory gives fans something to shout about (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

A Fairford RFC victory gives fans something to shout about

FAIRFORD RFC supporters were given an exciting if somewhat roller-coaster kind of Saturday afternoon as their team gained a first-ever league victory over visiting Ross-on-Wye.

After a fantastic first 15 minutes, Fairford were 20 points ahead with two tries for new recruit Langford and one each from Little and Gubb.

Backs and forwards were combining well and the heavier visitors' pack was looking almost pedestrian.

However, any thoughts of an easy afternoon were soon dispelled as Ross took control of the game to score a converted try on half-time and reduce the arrears to 13.

A try immediately after the interval by Michael Gubb didn't stop the comeback and, with two converted tries, the visitors were within one score.

Last season, Fairford would have been unable to respond to this kind of pressure but, time around, there is much improved determination throughout the team.

New boys Jamie Elliot and Rory, together with old head Gareth Roberts and young props Sloan and Lawson, were not prepared to give away the lead.

The response saw further tries from Gubb, Messer with the best of the bunch coming from Beamer Chambers, who finished off a move that involved several backs and forwards.

With Jobling converting three of them, a comfortable victory seemed possible.

Ross, though, had different ideas and, when an innocuous kick from their stand-off over his pack resulted in a try, this was quickly followed by two more.

At the final whistle, Fairford supporters and players were well pleased with a 46-34 win, despite still being in a bit of a daze.