Sat. 16th Feb. Wadworth 6X Southern Counties Frome RFC 1st 28 Devizes RFC 1st 3
Frome RFC welcomed Wiltshire rivals Devizes RFC to Gypsy Lane on Saturday and after a narrow victory away, Frome knew it would be another tough encounter.
The visitors started strongly and put the home line under pressure, but stout Frome defence kept the opposition out after continuous attacks.
Frome then broke out and showcased some excellent skill and support to get themselves into the Devizes 22. The first score of the day came when Devizes had a scrum on their own line and as they attempted to clear their lines, the kick was charged down and Second Row James Howard was first to react and touch down to score. Unfortunately the conversion caught the posts and went wide.
Devizes continued to press but Frome got on the scoresheet again after Outside Centre Dominic Jones had kicked ahead and at the following breakdown Devizes were penalised and Captain John Benstead kicked the penalty. Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Frome turned around 8-0 up.
Half Time: Frome RFC 1st 8 – 0 Devizes RFC 1st
Playing up the slight slope in the second half Frome were able to regain possession shortly after kick off and with the forwards led by Robert James carrying well, they put the visitors under pressure.
Frome were awarded a penalty close to the Devizes line and opted for a scrum. The Frome pack, which dominated throughout, pushed the visitors back and No. 8 Alex Mallon dotted down for another try.
Frome were able to extend the lead further when Howard converted a penalty in front of the posts.
Devizes looked to threaten when they could and got on the score sheet with a penalty from Centre Chris Barter.
The home-side’s third try came when from a ruck close to the line; Second Row Phil Meenan was able to crash over.
Frome continued to press and the bonus point try came when a chip over the top by Scrum Half Benstead was gathered by Jones who offloaded to Prop Elliott Bowler who was tackled just short of the line, but the supporting line of Meenan was on hand again to score the bonus point try. The try was Converted by James Howard to complete the scoring.
Final Score: Frome RFC 1st 28 – 3 Devizes RFC 1st
The Man of the Match Award, sponsored by The Old Bath Arms, Frome, went to both Dominic Jones and Robert James.
Head Coach Tony Culff said, “The similarities between this performance and last week’s against Corsham were striking, and a little concerning. We once again failed to start the game with any accuracy or intensity, and we quickly found ourselves under pressure. Thankfully, we showed much more resolve in defence and our front row established complete dominance in the scrums, and this meant that we were somehow able to go in ahead at half time, 8-0.
“The second half was far from perfect but we improved significantly and, combined with some sloppiness from Devizes, this enabled us to take control of the game and score three more tries. The final scoreline probably flattered us a little but we were pleased to record such a comprehensive victory against an old rival. Special credit must go to our front row and to our joint men of the match, Dom Jones and Rob James.”
The 1st XV have a gap in fixtures this Saturday and are back in league action on March 2nd when they travel to 11th place Dorchester RFC 1st.
• The Frome RFC mini and juniors were out in force on Sunday with the Mini section welcomed Chew Valley RFC along with the U16’s playing Wells RFC at home. Elsewhere the Frome RFC U13’s travelled to Dings RFC and the U15’s made the trip to Chippenham RFC. The U13’s had a fantastic away victory over Bristol based Dings fighting their way back into the lead in the dying minutes to secure a fantastic 30-35 win.
