Ruck solid (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Ruck solid

CRICKLADE Rugby Club are storming towards championship glory thanks to the meanest defence in English rugby.

The Dorset & Wilts Two North leaders hold that proud title after conceding just 37 points in 12 games, or 3.08 per match.

That just pips their nearest challengers, Surrey Three side London Media who, despite shipping just 28, have done so from three fewer games at an average of 3.1.

Cricklade, who have only been playing in the league system for three years, have won all 12 of their league matches this term and are strong favourites to take the title ahead of Marlborough.

Amazingly, they have conceded just three tries so far in the campaign and Devizes 3rd will be the latest to try and breach the Hatchetts-based club's watertight defence this afternoon (2.30pm).

But team boss Dave Gee admits the hard work put in on the training paddock is why Cricklade are so Scrooge-like when it comes to giving up points.

"It's one of the things we really looked at this season because, if you have got a good defence, it does frustrate teams,'' said Gee.

"After a while, they don't know how to break it down and run out of ideas.

"I'm not surprised it's up there as one of the best and it's something we're quite proud of, although obviously we play fewer games than some other teams.''

Only their nearest title challegers, Marlborough, plus Salisbury's third string and Minety 2nd have found a way across the Cricklade try-line in league action this term.

Gee added: "I had a look at our record last season (they finished third) and we only conceded about 100 points in 12 games then, which is quite a good record. But we spent a fair bit of time working on our defence for this season.''