The fledgling Faringdon Senior Rugby teams’ second fixture of the year saw them travel away from home to take on Fairford 2nd XV who they narrowly lost to in the home fixture earlier this season. Despite the recent rain the pitch was in good condition and a dry day meant there was an opportunity for an open running game. The game started at a frantic pace and after a few forward exchanges Fairford spun the ball wide and caught the Faringdon backs still in the changing room to touch down in the corner for the opening score of the game. With the conversion just curling outside the uprights Faringdon found themselves 5 – 0 down in under five minutes. The rest of the first half saw scoring chances for both teams but defences held firm. Half time came as welcome break, particularly for the forwards who were in the unenviable position of being without any substitutes to give aching limbs and lungs a rest. As the second half progressed Faringdon continued to make inroads into Fairford territory. The back row of Chris Smith, James Timber and Jim Bridges started to get the better of their opposite numbers around the fringes of the breakdowns and were able to produce good turnover ball for the backs to mount attacks. It was from such a turnover that Faringdon were to open their account. Prop Bruce Clements managed to snaffle some Fairford ball on the halfway line which was fed out to the backs. A good run from Josh Osment broke the Fairford defensive line. The ball passed through several pairs of hands before reaching Chris Badcock on the wing who beat his opposite number to score and excellent try. Chris Smith landed the conversion to give Faringdon a slender lead at 7 – 5. The remainder of the game was a tense affair. Minor injuries left Alistair Hunt and try scorer Chris Badcock and lock Luke Hislop sidelined and Faringdon functioning with the only fifteen fit members of the team left. Breaks from Graeme Endean at scrum half and Chris Long in the centre almost extended Faringdons lead. Faringdon looked as if they might grab their first victory as the final whistle approached. But in the last play of the match Fairford managed to breach the Faringdon defence following a five metre scrum to snatch victory 10 -7 with a well taken try. Despite the disappointment of losing in the dying minutes a great day was had by all and a cracking game was enjoyed by both teams and spectators alike. A special mention is required for Mark Vaughan who played his first ever competitive game of rugby in the unenviable position of hooker and was outstanding. The team are now looking forward to their next game which is on Saturday February 16th at Bicester.