The World Cup comes to town (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

The World Cup comes to town

EXCITEMENT is mounting as sporting fans in west and north Wiltshire prepare to catch a glimpse of the Rugby World Cup on its whistlestop tour through the county.

The Webb Ellis cup will be flown in by helicopter to Trowbridge's Green Lane rugby ground later today, before being transported to the town's Civic Hall where it will go on display for two hours.

Five west Wiltshire rugby clubs have joined together to host the Trowbridge event, after plans to show-off the trophy at the Warminster-based School of Infantry fell through.

The trophy will be displayed in an armoured case, flanked by security guards, with fans able to have their picture taken with the prize by an official photographer.

Civic Hall manager Bill Austin said he was looking forward to the cup arriving in Trowbridge.

"There will be a couple of hours' viewing before the cup is whisked away by helicopter," he said.

"We are expecting large crowds but have come up with a queuing system. It is a one off. A chance to see something you might never get to see again."

A big screen showing highlights of the 2004 World Cup final against Australia, including Jonny Wilkinson's last-gasp drop-goal, will be put up to entertain the crowds.

The cup will move on to Chippenham tomorrow with north Wiltshire rugby fans able to catch a glimpse of the trophy.

It will be taken to the Allington Field home of Chippenham Rugby Club, where it will go on display from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Club spokesman Laura Hickman said: "As a club we are very excited at the prospect of having the World Cup on the premises but this is not just about Chippenham RFC.

"We would like to think as many people as possible, whether rugby followers, players or whoever, will be able to see it while it is here in the town."