RUGBY: Fairford forced to defend stoutly against Cricklade (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford edge a competitive top-of-the-table derby

9:52am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in Sport

Dorset & Wilts Div 2 West.

Fairford 15 Cricklade 10.

FAIRFORD returned to winning ways against a tough Cricklade side despite defending for much of the match.

The hosts started brightly and soon had the first try, with good play from the forwards leaving hooker Danny Briggs the simple task of dotting over the line. Fairford continued to dominate and camped in the Cricklade half. Unfortunately, the weather dictated it was not a game for the backs and many of the runs were made by the Fairford pack, notably prop Luke Sawyer.

The second try came soon after when scrum half Pat Dee fed the ball to Ben Goodey for him to score from short range. Josh Lenthall was again unsuccessful with the boot.

The game then changed dramatically. Cricklade started to find their rhythm and looked likely to score. However, every time they came close a mixture of tremendous defending and dreadful handling cost them and they failed to cross the line. At half-time, it was 10-0 to Fairford.

The second half began as the first ended with the home team defending. After 16 minutes of impressive rearguard action, Cricklade had their breakthrough from a tap penalty. However, Fairford reacted like potential champions and were soon back on the scoresheet. They won a line-out ten metres out and drove towards the line, leaving 'Ants' Little to touch down.

Cricklade continued bombarding the Fairford line, but again they were wasteful and struggled to break Fairford down.

With the points safely in the bag for Fairford, the referee turned the visitor's provider in a bizarre incident when a loose ball hit him on the chest and fell kindly over the line for Cricklade to score a consolation try.

The result leaves Fairford top of the league and seven points clear of third-placed Cricklade.

If you're interested in joining Fairford RFC, they train on Wednesday nights at Coln House School – 7pm. All experiences welcome.