Dorset & Wilts Div One North.

Supermarine 14.

Fairford 3.

DESPITE being on the wrong end of the 14-3 scoreline at Supermarine, Fairford put in an excellent performance which they can build on for the remainder of the season.

Marine started the game with a good deal of possession but Fairford defended ferociously and the hosts could not maintain any pressure in the Fairford 22. Despite Fairford's efficiency at the breakdown, with good steals from Guy Livermore and 'Ants' Little, Supermarine were able to convert a straightforward penalty.

The visitors soon bounced back and were level midway through the half. After a strong driving line-out, Supermarine were forced to give away the penalty and although débutante fly half Harry Johnson couldn't finish off his superb solo effort with the advantage, Andy Waite kicked the resulting penalty.

The rest of the half ebbed and flowed with neither side gaining a stranglehold on the game. The home side edged it, however, scoring another penalty to lead 6-3.

The second half continued in much the same vein in increasingly torrid conditions. With the wind playing it's part, both sides elected to run the ball from deep on several occasions and kicking proved futile.

Supermarine scored the only try of the game midway through the second half. After a driving maul stalled, the opposition fly half kicked cross field and the wind carried the ball behind the Fairford line where the home winger had the pace to touch down.

Although Fairford reacted well, they could not create any clear opportunities and bar a converted long-range Supermarine penalty, the game ended with few chances for either side.