Stroud Junior Cup.

Dursley United 7 Fairford 25.

FAIRFORD outclassed a Dursley seconds side to make the semifinals of the Stroud Junior Cup for the first time in the club's history.

Fairford started on the back foot but weathered the storm easily, demolishing the Dursley maul and making important tackles, with an impressive display from Ben Hunt.

Fly half Andy Dowan opened the scoring with a penalty after strong runs from the forwards. The visitors were the first to cross the line, too, as an excellent crossfield kick from Dowan was well chased by centres Steve McCann and Will Olds and tremendous pressure resulted in a turnover. Captain Rich Lewis stepped in at stand-off to feed the ball to Dowan, who danced over the line.

Fairford piled on the pressure through their scrum, led by MoM Jake Barstow, who has settled quickly into the role of hooker, and Dursley struggled to escape their half. Further mistakes allowed Dowan to add another penalty.

A rare defensive error from Fairford then afforded Dursley a try despite what looked like a forward pass. HT: 13-7 to the visitors.

Fairford started the second half strongly, making base in the Dursley half. Carries from seniors 'Ants' Little and 'Beamer' Chambers allowed Dowan to release Ben Goodey to maraud through several Dursley players before landing over the line.

A third try was added when a poor clearance was seized upon by full back Andy Waite, who showed composure beyond his 17 years to commit the man and pass to Lewis for a score in the corner.

Despite late pressure, thunderous tackles by McCann and Dowan ensured that Dursley finished pointless in the second half.