Stroud Combination Senior Cup
Semi-Final
Minety 1st XV 5pts – Fairford
8pts
There was little to separate the two sides in this wind-blown Easter Saturday semi-final, but Fairford kicked marginally better and it was three points from a penalty goal that ultimately secured their victory.
The game was played on a muddy surface in icily cold
and wet conditions. A fiercely gusting wind blew across the field, making
passing difficult and ensuring that most kicks veered towards one
touchline.
Fairford started brightly and Minety were on the back
foot for the first half hour, holding out their opponents but failing to make
much ground. Fairford almost scored from a chip ahead but knocked on in crossing
the line. Although this move was unsuccessful, Fairford’s kicking from hand was
generally longer and better aimed than their hosts’ and during the course of the
match this told to their advantage.
With 10 minutes to go before the break, Minety
finally began to put things together. A penalty goal attempt from just inside
the visitors’ 22 blew away in the wind but a driving maul took the home side as
far as the try line before it was held. A subsequent catch and drive from a
lineout in the final minute of the half went all the way, however, as a dozen
Minety players piled in to drive the maul safely over for a try. It was an
inelegant move but perfectly suited to the brutal weather
conditions.
Chippenham responded forcefully in the second half,
piling on the pressure in the first five minutes until a final drive from close
range took them over the line to equal the scores.
The result hung in the balance for another quarter of
an hour until the visitors defied the gale by slotting the only goal of the
afternoon. After that, Minety found themselves playing catch-up rugby and
although they mounted several promising moves, Fairford tackled solidly and
successfully kept them out.
This Saturday, Minety return to league rugby after a four-week gap as they travel away to Marlborough.