The Frome RFC 1st XV travelled to local side Bradford on Avon RFC 1st on Saturday, determined to build on the previous week’s successes.
With newly-promoted Bradford on Avon sitting at the bottom of the Southern Counties South and Frome sitting in 3rd on paper, it would look an easy contest; however the home side are never one to be written off and have had some close games so far this season.
Frome took charge from the kick-off when Second Row James Howard collected the ball and made a strong run into the home side’s half. Unfortunately, an opportunity for early points was missed due to a knock on.
The visitors continued to press and opened the scoring when joint man of the match Matt Smith, who created problems for the hosts’ line out all afternoon, reached out to score.
Frome continued to put the home side under pressure at the set piece and were rewarded when No.8, Alex Mallon, picked up from 5 metre scrum to crash over and score. Both tries were converted by James Howard.
It was Smith who would shine again when, after some great work between the forwards and backs, Smith found himself crossing the whitewash for a second time out wide, the conversion being missed.
Half Time: Bradford 0 – 19 Frome RFC 1st
From the kick off, the visitors soon would have another scrum and continued to dominate, led by joint man of the match Geoff Taylor, who worked tirelessly throughout. This allowed Frome to secure a steady stream of good quality ball which allowed the Frome backs, especially Centres Mike Rutt and Ali Frost, to carry the ball over the gain line and this resulted in further tries for Wingers Dan Arbury and Rob Sully.
No.8 Mallon scored his second try of the match when he picked up from the back of a ruck and galloped 40 metres to score.
Frome’s dominance continued and they increased their lead when, from a preplanned line out move, Will Button crashed over, carrying several would-be tacklers. Frome scored twice more in the last 5 minutes of the match through Howard, and a second from Winger Arbury score. With three of the tries being converted by Arbury.
Final Score: Bradford on Avon RFC 1st 0 – 55 Frome RFC 1st
This Saturday the Frome RFC 1st XV will welcome Corsham RFC 1st XV to Gypsy Lane in a combined League and Cup game. The winner also goes through to the Bath Combination Cup Semi Finals.
Pictured top, Flanker Matt Smith and above prop Geoff Taylor
