FAIRFORD secured a first Stroud Combination Cup when they beat Stroud 19-18 at Cirencester last weekend.

Stroud came out of the blocks powerfully with their scrum half scything through the limp Fairford defence to claim a 7-0 lead.

Fairford captain Ben Goodey showed tremendous leadership qualities, instilling order through his troops as they came away with a penalty, converted by Sam Young.

Stroud responded with a second score to lead 12-3. Fairford showed attacking promise yet inaccuracy was letting them down, but fortune swung their way way as Stroud’s discipline crumbled.

Fairford’s ferret William Bowers burrowed over for what looked like a crucial score at the stroke of half time but wasn’t deemed to have crossed the line, capping off an entertaining first half at 12-6.

Growing in confidence the Badgers purred with attacking ferocity as sustained pressure and a dominant scrum led to another two penalty kicks for Fairford levelling the score.

Stroud caught a second wind after key substitutions earning a penalty, clawing back the lead.

Now Fairford substitutions led the second charge, wreaking havoc in the loose and threatening to turn the tide only halted as Ants Little received a yellow and gave away penalty for Stroud to lead 18-12.

From the kick off Nomads veteran Rob Davey gathered the ball and passed straight into the arms of Fairford’s Eric White, to put the Badgers in front.

Fairford held on and euphoric celebration ensued.