Sat. 11th Jan. Southern Counties South Grove RFC 17 Frome RFC 10
Frome RFC travelled to Grove RFC looking to close the gap on the league leaders and despite the long coach journey and facing the stiff breeze, started the stronger.
The visiting Forwards and Backs combined well to carry the ball into the opposition half; however after twenty minutes, the home side took the lead. Grove were awarded a penalty in their own half which, with the wind behind them, kicked to deep into Frome’s 22. They then set up a rolling maul to score the first try.
Frome hit back immediately with Forwards James Howard and Ross Toton carrying well and afternoon multiple phases set up a ruck close to the line from which Captain and Scrum Half John Benstead darted over for a try, converted by Howard.
The rest of the half was even until Grove were awarded a penalty close to the Frome line. The Grove 10 shaped to kick to touch, but caught Frome unawares by passing the ball to the 8 who crashed over for a converted try. Despite being 12-7 down at half time, Frome still felt they were very much in the game.
Shortly after the break the home Fly Half chipped over the visitors’ defence for the Winger to gather and despite being tackled close to the line, he was able to offload for another converted try.
Frome spent a lot of the second half defending but due to some great tackling led by man of the match Mike Rutt, they kept the home side at bay.
Frome created a number of chances but failed to convert until the last play of the game. After a break by Geoff Taylor they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which as time was up they took the kick to make the final score 17-10 in favour of the home side.
Not all was lost with the bonus point being gained keeping Frome in second place in Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South.
Man of the Match, sponsored by The Old Bath Arms, Frome, went to Centre Mike Rutt.
