FAIRFORD made it back-to-back victories with an industrious workout against Old Colstonians on Saturday afternoon, with a second half hat-trick from James Wrona helping overcome a dogged OC side.
With the main 1st XV pitch waterlogged, the game was played on a smaller – although excellent surface – on a nearby pitch in the impressive surroundings of the historic Colston’s School – whose rugby alumni include the likes of Jake Polledri, Olly Barkley, Jordan Crane, Lee Mears and Tom Varndell.
The hosts raced into a 6-0 lead after indiscipline from the visitors, with two well-taken penalties in tricky conditions the early difference between the sides.
Fairford’s response was quick; with a well-worked line-out seeing Richie Lewis gallop over from close range to make it 6-5. A superb run from Jake Hancock saw the Badgers into the ascendancy for the first time (12-6). Ben Cohoon then finished off a neat passage of play on the right for 17-6 before Gaz Charnock’s dissection of the home defensive line saw him open the gates for try number four, converted by Harri Cummings who had an excellent afternoon with the boot for 24-6.
After the break the visitors weathered a comeback from the home side, who registered two converted tries from close range as Fairford also lost skipper Richie Craig to the sin-bin.
A second half hat-trick from James Wrona helped secure the bonus point win as he and his teammates worked the space well down the left hand side to put the seal on a ‘job done’ type of afternoon in BS16.
F/T: Old Colstonians 20 Fairford 43
Fairford’s 1st XV take a break from action until the visit of North Bristol on Saturday 21st March (2.30pm), whilst the 2nd XV travel to Royal Wootton Bassett this Saturday in a friendly.