RUGBY: Frustrating defeat for Fairford (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Late Sutton Benger penalty secures the points against Fairford

10:12pm Monday 10th September 2012 in Sport

Dorset & Wilts Div 2 North.

Sutton Benger 19 Fairford 18.

FAIRFORD suffered a disappointing, narrow loss in their first league game of the season which could have gone either way.

The early stages showed that Fairford were dominant up front while the home side looked to move the ball wide and use their pacy backs.

Fairford took the lead with a well-struck penalty from fly half Lenthall.

Benger soon hit back with a well-worked try as they crossed under the posts but missed the simple conversion. Fairford reacted well and from the kick-off captain Richie Lewis secured a turnover and fed Pat Dee, who drew the last man before sending Lewis under the posts; Lenthall added the conversion.

However, the teams went in at half-time with the scores level following another try for Benger.

The second half saw Fairford become more dominant in the scrum, taking a number against the head with MoM Kenny Robbins a stand-out performer.

Too often Fairford gave away silly penalties, though, allowing the home side to clear their lines. This lack of discipline proved costly as Benger kicked two quick penalties to take the lead.

Following another scrum against the head, ‘Beamer’ Chambers burst down the blind side before feeding Dee, who outpaced the defence to score and bring Fairford within a point. With less than ten minutes left Fairford started to apply pressure and were rewarded with a penalty which Lenthall kicked to take the lead.

Unfortunately, Fairford failed to deal with the kick-off and a penalty at the ruck gave Benger the chance to take the lead and hold on for the final few minutes.