Fairford survive losing three to the sin bin (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford survive losing three to the sin bin

8:11pm Monday 8th February 2010

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Dorset & Wilts Div 2 North.

Combe Down 5, Fairford 19.

FAIRFORD were made to fight hard for their victory on Saturday against a well-drilled Combe Down side, although their cause was not helped by losing three men to the sin bin.

Fairford dominated early possession, however a loose pass was intercepted by the home side’s full back, who ran the length of the pitch and score in the corner.

As the half wore on, Fairford started to move their larger opponents around the pitch as they looked to spin the ball wide at every opportunity, and they became more dominant in the line-out.

Eventually, the pressure paid off as ‘Sofa’ Bowman took a quick tap penalty and was able to round the fullback to score under the posts, with brother Gareth adding the conversion.

After the first yellow card for a dangerous tackle, Fairford had to work hard with 14 men as Combe Down started to apply pressure. At one point, Luke Sawyer made an excellent cover tackle to prevent what looked like a certain try.

Despite losing a second man to the sin bin, Fairford were able to make it to half-time without conceding any more points.

After strong words at the break, Fairford put together some good phases of play with Jamie Garrigan and Gavin Wedlake combining well out wide to stretch the defence.

Finally, the pressure told as Danny Briggs crossed for his first try of the season, with Bowman again converting.

With a nine-point cushion, Fairford started to relax and play more of the controlled rugby which has seen them rise to second in the table.

The game was finally wrapped up when Joe Rendall crossed for a try with 15 minutes remaining.

Fairford were again reduced to 14 men towards the end and though Combe Down dominated they were unable to score.

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