Frome RFC Clubhouse opened its doors on Friday night, 15th May, for the annual end of season Awards Dinner.
Head Coach, Garrie Webster gave his post-season review and awards were presented for the first, second, third and the Academy side.
Awards went to:
Player of the Year: 1st XV – Sam Cassidy; 2nd XV – Ethan White; 3rd XV – Mark Regler; Academy XV – Finn Molloy.
Players’ Player: 1st XV – Sam Cassidy: 2nd XV – Cam Vince; 3rd XV – Paul Whittle; Academy XV – Kieran Stacey.
Most Improved: 1st XV – Max Stickley; 2nd XV – Kye White; 3rd XV – Alex Buckley; Academy XV – Adam Hancock.
Top Points Scorer – Max Stickley; Trainer of the Year – Toby Reilly; Rookie of the Year – Harrie Webster; Clubman of the Year – Frome RFC U13s (players, coaches, parents and supporters).
“What a season it’s been,” said Head Coach, Garrie Webster is his review of the season. “This year saw nearly 100 players represent the club, including 12 completely new faces joining the family.
“Our 3rd XV finished fifth in the league (won 7, drew 1, lost 10), scoring 314 points, conceded 576. Most importantly, the squad fulfilled the main goal set at the start of the season, putting a side out every single week.
“Led superbly by the ever-present skipper Toby Reilly, the team blended returning players with exciting new faces.
“The 2nd XV – Champions! Won 16, lost 2, scored 670, conceded 208 – the best defence in the league.
“An incredibly young squad combined with some very experienced heads. Led brilliantly week after week by Ethan White and guided by the ever-calm (apparently), experienced Andy Vince who now has more than one league title as manager.
“To top it all off, the team also finished top of the Bath Combination Merit Table League.
“The 1st XV finished the season in fourth, the highest league finish in a few years, missing out on third place spot only on the final weekend, winning 15 and only losing seven. Scored 743 points, conceded 493.
“Early injuries caused problems, especially losing captain Geoff to a season-ending knee injury. Thankfully, despite being a very young squad overall, the side was full of experience. Former club captains Alex Mallon and John Benstead both stepped up and led with professionalism and high standards throughout the season.
“The Academy XV, a few years ago, the RFU launched initiatives aimed at improving the transition from age-grade rugby into the senior game, something our club has always worked hard to achieve. This season, we pushed things even further by integrating Academy players into senior training sessions.
“For the first time in years, we signed off U18 players to play adult rugby, and it proved to be absolutely the right decision. One weekend this season, six Academy players featured across the 1st XV and 2nd XV.”
Standout young players, said Garrie, included Harry Greenwood, Toby Cassidy, Harrie Webster, Zach Sibley, Archie Pearn and Oscar Stickley.
“To sum up: Nearly 100 players; three teams, four when the Cavalry (Veterans XV) played; our highest league finishes in years; three ‘Try of the Month’ winners; three players selected for the Bath Combination XV; two titles; one promotion. And most importantly… A very, very bright future ahead.”
