FAIRFORD set up this Saturday's Combination Cup final appearance nicely with a hard-fought win over Devizes.

Dorset & Wilts Div One North

Fairford 35

Devizes II 27

The hosts started with real intensity from the kick-off and opened the scoring within minutes. After an over-ambitious carry from prop Ben Goodey, the ball found its way to Steve McCann to beat two defenders and score near the posts.

Fairford kept the pressure up and were eventually awarded a penalty, choosing to kick at goal which secured a 10-0 lead.

Following several good spells of possession, Mike Wrona almost bagged another solo effort before the returning Luke Sawyer crashed over in the corner.

The visitors were back in the game in the space of 10 minutes, however, as Fairford switched off completely and the Devizes outside backs showed good pace to score two tries in quick succession. They added a third minutes later, again catching Fairford out wide.

Fairford had a third try themselves before the end of the half after a driving maul, Chris Tanner with the final touch over the line.

Devizes added a fourth try after the break to take a slender lead but Andy Waite brought the side's level at 25-25 with his second penalty of the day.

Fairford were inspired by that score and they began to take a hold of the game. Once again Neil Bee bullied his way over the line while Waite produced a good finish despite Devizes protestations that he stepped out of play.