Dorset & Wilts Div One North

Minety 10 Fairford 6

THE derby clash between Minety and Fairford was played in bitterly cold conditions with the hosts generating just enough heat to secure the win.

After a mauling at home to Combe Down just seven days previously, Fairford were a different proposition on this occasion, full of focus and determination.

Led by the evergreen skipper 'Ants' Little and playing down the hill and with the wind in their favour in the first half they pressurised Minety at the breakdown, forcing the home side to concede penalties.

The bright start was confirmed with young fly half Sam Young twice dissecting the uprights with penalty goals to give the visitors a six-point half-time lead.

The home side seemed to warm to the challenge and increased their intensity after the break.

They also made a tactical change in the second period, opting to kick away plenty of ball, having been frustrated by the resolute defence of the visitors in the opening 40 minutes.

A line-out 15 metres from the Fairford line was driven by the Minety pack.

As the maul gained momentum it was joined by three Minety backs before collapsing over the line. The referee awarded the try and the player at he bottom of the pile of players with the ball was Duncan Simpson. Elis Garland kicked the impressive conversion for Minety to take a 7-6 lead.

Garland extended Minety’s advantage with a penalty with 20 minutes to go. Despite a frantic final quarter neither side could manage any further additions to their tally, as the energy-sapping conditions took their toll, and the match ended with Minety securing an important victory.

The Badgers' reward for a determined squad effort was to walk away with a bonus point – and in their opinion it could have been more.