FAIRFORD showed superior fitness levels and good handling to blow a robust Calne side away in the second half.

Dorset & Wilts Div One North

Calne 5

Fairford 24

Fairford squandered early field position, often relinquishing the ball with a lackadaisical approach to the breakdown.

Needless penalties gave Calne an early opportunity and the hosts secured a driving line-out and walked the ball over the line after some mediocre defence from the visitors.

Fairford rarely looked back from that point. After a difficult start in the scrum they began to gain the upper hand and put pressure on opposition ball. Meanwhile, out wide they gained yardage with ease.

Fairford took the lead after a strong carry from centre Neil Bee who placed an outstretched arm over the line; Andy Waite converted for a 7-5 lead.

The Badgers' second try was one of real quality. Turning the ball over, Fairford spun it wide to the evergreen wing Colin Bullock. Racing down the line, he threw an audacious dummy and was left to run in unopposed.

The 12-5 half-time score left Calne dejected whereas Fairford stepped up a gear. Starting to attack with real flair there were good runs from Tilling and fly half Harry Johnson before the latter left the field prematurely due to injury.

Fairford were quick to add a third try. After another good carry from Bee off the line-out, the ball arrived to the returning Mike Wrona who typically steamrollered several defenders before scoring in the corner.

Not content with the healthy lead the visitors had a bonus point wrapped up early in the second half. Following a good scrum, No.8 Chris Tanner made a break, offloading to Tilling whose pass allowed Wrona to burst past the last defender and complete his brace.