FAIRFORD RFC U11s have won their first silverware at the renowned Chippenham Rugby Festival, seeing off a number of teams from much bigger clubs.
Chippenham Rugby Festival
Putting their understandable nerves to one side, Fairford opened the tournament by beating a well organised Devizes team 4-0.
Without letting that first result go to their heads, the Fairford boys kept their concentration and came through an extremely hard-fought second game against Bath by 1-0.
The result was built on some great forwards play and excellent defensive work from the backs.
In the crucial final qualifying match in their group against Bradford-upon-Avon, Fairford's scrum was once again imperious, winning turnovers and releasing the ball to the speedy backs. This expansive play saw Fairford triumph 5-0 and top the qualifying group.
Despite conceding a try for the first time to Old Aleysians in the semi final, Fairford rallied and put in another great performance to win 4-1.
In the final Fairford faced Marlborough, a team they had beaten a few weeks earlier.
Fairford's try line was never in danger in a nervy first half but they started the second period strongly and had two claims for tries denied by being held up.
A hard-fought final ended 0-0 and was decided on the toss of a coin, with Fairford winning.
A harsh result for Marlborough who were sporting in defeat, but a great win for Fairford.
The victorious Fairford team consisted of :
Harry Bull, Alex Cohoon, Jasper Raistrick, Jacob Matthews, Joseph Gee, Tom Mundy, Daniel Pearce, Simon Porter, Tom Mustoe, Alfie Taylor, Christian Conlan, Gabriel Knight, Henry Lykke Dahn and Charlie Adam.
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