Sat. 5th Oct. Southern Counties South Combe Down 17 Frome 1st 36
Frome travelled to Bath to face newly-promoted Combe Down RFC, looking to put the previous week’s loss behind them.
Frome started the game strongly, stringing a number of phases together and soon took the lead through a Darrell Thompson penalty when the home side were penalised at the breakdown.
Frome continued to carry well, with the Front Row trio of George Benstead, Geoff Taylor and Kieran Storey providing a solid platform at the scrum. Frome extended their lead when from a Scrum, Inside Centre Mike Rutt broke through the defence to score, which was duly converted by a try from Thompson.
Combe Down then got back into the game and a break on the outside allowed their Winger to score out wide. However Frome continued to dominate the set piece and from a line out in the 22, a set move saw Rutt crash over for a second converted try.
Frome began the second half well and after a number of phases and quick hands by the backline, created space for Winger Craig Thompson to dot down in the corner.
The home side were able to put a period of pressure on the Frome line and despite some great defence emphasized by Winger Harry Bridle, they eventually scored a converted try to close the gap.
Frome continued to press and after a break by Rutt, the ball was recycled quickly and Storey took the ball at pace to crash over for a try. The home side then created a third try out wide, however Frome were not to be denied and continued to build the phases to create the opportunity for Flanker Ross Toton to reach out and score a fifth try, converted by Thompson.
Head coach, Toby Culff said, “This was unquestionably our best and most cogent performance of the season so far. That’s not to say it was perfect though, far from it. But compared with last week’s loss, and even the two victories that preceded that massive disappointment, we were immeasurably more direct, intense and accurate. Crucially, we played as a team, and lots of our new faces and combinations looked suddenly settled and confident. It was the first game of this year in which I recognised, for extended periods, the ‘real us’. We carried strongly and with pace, and our handling was simple and crisp, for the most part.
“There’s plenty that we need to work on and we’re miles from where we need and want to be, but I believe this win was a critical one for our progression and will prove crucial. I hope the players gain confidence and belief from the positive aspects of this weekend, whilst maintaining an appetite to improve where improvement’s needed. The players know which areas I’m referring to. Our next fixture at home against Corsham is an opportunity to build momentum but we won’t underestimate the challenge.
“Our 2nd XV team which has won its first four matches this season after promotion to Level 8. The players and team management deserve enormous credit. Well done guys!“.
The Frome RFC 1st have a break in league fixtures this Saturday; their next fixture is on October 19th when they welcome bottom of the table Corsham RFC to ‘The Lane’.
