Sat. 18th Jan. Southern Counties South Div. Frome 52 Combe Down 5
Frome welcomed old rivals Combe Down RFC to ‘The Lane’ hoping to put the previous week’s disappointment to league leaders Grove behind them.
Frome started strongly with Forwards and Backs carrying strongly, making inroads into the opposition half.
However a dropped ball on the half way line was kicked ahead by the visitors’ Winger who touched down to score in the corner.
Frome continued their game plan and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Man of the Match James Howard slotted.
Straight from the kick off the home side gathered the ball, and with the Front Row of Elliott Bowler, Matt King and Kieran Storey carrying hard, an opportunity was created for joint Man of the Match Rob Sully to chip over the defence and gather to score under the posts for a try converted by Howard.
Frome continued to press and after a Scrum close to the Combe Down line, No.8 Alex Mallon picked up and burst over to score.
The resultant kick off did not go the required 10 metres and the scrum on half way gave Frome a great attacking platform. With Fly Half Simon Westlake pulling the strings, the home side created an opening for Sully to burst through for his second and Frome’s 4th and bonus point try.
Frome continued to put the visitors under pressure and were further rewarded when James Howard broke through to score his second try.
As the first half approached its conclusion, Frome were awarded a line out on the 22 metres line and from a set move, Flanker Ross Toten burst down the line to score in the corner. With Howard having converted all of the tries, Frome led 38-5 at half time.
Half Time Score:
Frome RFC 38 – 5 Combe Down RFC
The second half started with the visitors putting pressure on the Frome defence, however the home side were resolute in defence and with some great tacking including a try saving tackle by Matt Warnock, kept the visitors from scoring.
Frome regained the upper hand and following a number of breaks by the Forwards and with Centre Mike Rutt making inroads, a space was created for Rob James to get on the scoreboard.
Frome completed the scoring when after slight of hand by Captain John Benstead, a gap appeared for Howard to cruise in unopposed. Howard converted his try to complete a perfect day with the boot and a personal tally of 27 points.
Final Score:
Frome RFC 52 – 5 Combe Down RFC
There’s a gap in League fixtures this coming Saturday with Frome returning to action on the 1st of February when they travel to Corsham.
The Man of the Match awards, sponsored by The Old Bath Arms, Frome went to James Howard and Rob Sully.
Joint Man of the March award winners, Rob Sully and James Howard. Picture: Mark Sangster.
