Frome travelled to old foes Devizes RFC on Saturday, looking to continue their good run of form. An always difficult encounter Frome knew they would have to be on top form to secure any chance of a win.
The visitors started well with a strong show of dominance and bulldozing carries, but the solid home defence kept the men in red white and black out. It was Devizes who showed their attacking flair and got the first points of the day when, after being awarded a penalty, scored from a maul at close range. (5-0)
The Frome Forward continued to carry well in attack and gained valuable yards, but another penalty meant Devizes could clear their lines; another long kick and strong maul and the ball was played out wide and the home side Winger crossed over, this time the kick being added. (12-0)
The Devizes backline showed their constant threat again just before the half time break, when the ball was played wide and the Centre went over near the posts, the kick being added. (19-0)
Half Time: Devizes RFC 1st 19 – 7 Frome RFC 1st
After regathering at the Half Time break, it was Frome who came out the blocks firing and after multiple penalties by Devizes, Frome gained great field position to build on, with Second Row Phil Meenan crashing over the line, James Howard added the extras. (19-7). Frome’s resurgence was halted for some time following an injury to Devizes No.8 and the decision was made to move pitches (we wish the player a speedy recovery).
From the solid platform in the Scrums, Frome were able to apply pressure and get back into the home sides half. The fantastic work from the Forward pack continued to gain yards and it was No.8 Alex Mallon who was able to crash his way through and core, Howard again adding the extras. (19-14)
A solid display in defence created a knock on by Devizes and Frome were able to hold possession and attack the line once more. It was Flnker Matt Smith who was able to go over from close range, Howard again hitting the target and adding the extras and Frome went ahead for the first time in the game) (19-2.1)
However the lead was short lived when the Devizes backline once again went wide and the Centre crashed over to score, the kick going wide. (24-21). The visitors regathered once again and the continued pressure paid off when Frome found themselves close to the line, with Matt Smith crashing over, and Howard, on fine kicking form, added the extras.
Full Time: Devizes RFC 1st 24 – 28 Frome RFC 1st
Huge credit must go to the home side, Devizes, for another bruising encounter. Man of the match went to Hooker Will Button. Frome sit comfortably in 2nd position of the Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South and look to keep pressure on top-of-the-table Sherborne RFC, when they welcome 9th place Dorchester RFC on November 17th.
Above: Man of the match Will Button.
