Cirencester RFC 11 Fairford RFC 19

FAIRFORD edged this close-fought local derby.

This eagerly anticipated derby was watch by a sizeable crowd, who braved the wind a rain to support their respective teams. The game started with the both teams playing some frantic rugby without any pattern being stamped on the game.

The early scrums saw Fairford having the upper hand which did not allow Ciren to get a foothold in the game. It was apparent the weather conditions were going to play a part in the out outcome of the game, with high winds blowing across the field. Ciren did trouble the scorer first with a penalty having hacked down field which resulted in a penalty for holding on the floor 3-0. With large parts of the game played between the 10m lines, any infringements being penalised with a kick to the corner.

And it was Ciren who crucially allowed that to happen, the penalty allowed the men in green to set up a well-constructed line out drive to score their fist try. 3-5.

This did spark Ciren into action exerting pressure on Fairford in their half, which saw another Fairford infringe allowing Ciren Harvey Dickenson to step forward and kick his brace of penalties, making the half time score 6-5. The theme of the game continued as the first half with a very disjointed pattern, with the game littered with penalties, knock on`s, an inaccuracy at the lineout. But Fairford hit back into the lead with a well taken try which was converted 6-12.

Once again Cirencester had it all to do but showing great character, they did that bagging a try of their own with hooker Noah Newman touching down again from a line drive making the score 11-12. With the clock running down the next score would be decisive.

Ciren were enjoying lots of possession, but it was not in the areas of the pitch to hurt Fairford, and in hindsight kicking for territory would have a been a better option.

After a knock on giving Fairford possession from the scrum they produce the only quality backs move of the match only to be thwarted by sensational try saving tackle by Ciren centre Zeb Waite, but from the ensuing scrum Fairford moved the ball into midfield and scored the defining try of the game to make the final score 11-19 and the game. For Ciren it was game they never stamped their authority on, and not allowing them to gain the vital points.