Sat. 5th January. South West Division – Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South Swindon College Old Boys RFC 1st 17 Frome RFC 1st 22
Frome RFC 1st away win against Swindon College Old Boys RFC 1st.
The Frome RFC 1st XV travelled to Swindon on Saturday looking to return to winning ways after a disappointing loss to North Dorset RFC just before Christmas and kick off the New Year in style.
Frome had a great build up to this fixture and started the game positively although it was the home side who scored first when the visitors were adjudged to have infringed at the breakdown and the Swindon College Old Boys kicker was able to slot the penalty and give the home side a 3 point lead.
The visitors continued to assert pressure on the home line and pulled level when the home team were deemed to infringe at the breakdown, James Howard converting the penalty.
The Swindon College Old Boys Captain was shown a yellow card for further infringements and sent to the sin bin. Frome made the numerical advantage pay when Flanker Rob James crashed over from close range for a try, Howard adding the conversion.
The Frome RFC pack, led by joint MOTM Elliott Bowler were now in total control of their opposition pack and from a 5 metre scrum, Captain Alex Mallon picked up and bulldozed his way over the try line and extended Frome’s lead to 15 -3 at half time.
Half Time: SCOB RFC 1st 3 – 15 Frome RFC 1st
Frome were confident heading into the second half knowing they’d missed some chances in the first and looked to continue the pressure in both defence and attack in the second half.
Superb carries from joint MOTM Ross Toten, Fullback Daniel Arbury and Outside Calum Bonallo kept the momentum. The visitors’ efforts were finally rewarded when Prop Aaron Blaney crashed over from close range to score a try, converted by Howard.
Frome retained the 22- 3 lead until the closing minutes when 2 quick tries by the home side resulted in a final score of 22-17 and saw Frome return to winning ways.
Head coach Toby Culff said, “After a dire performance and a painful loss against North Dorset before Christmas, it was crucial for us to get back on track against SCOB. We’ve had three weeks off since that awful defeat so a bit of rust was inevitable but, actually, this was a very accomplished and accurate performance.
“We wasted a few opportunities and we should have scored more – the failure to secure the bonus point was disappointing – but, fair’s fair, the players did a terrific job and they completely dominated a rugged opposition. Two late SCOB scores made for a nerve-wracking last few minutes and meant that they were flattered by the final scoreline, but we were utterly in control throughout the first 70 minutes, during which some excellent officiating rewarded us for our discipline and determination to play a clean and attacking game. Huge credit goes to our players and I’m hopeful their confidence and belief will have been fully restored.“
Final Score: SCOB RFC 1st 17 – 22 Frome RFC 1st
After the weekend’s win the Frome RFC 1st continue to hold 2nd place in Wadworth Southern Counties South, with a home fixture this Saturday against 8th place Thatcham RFC 1st.
In other results, the Frome RFC 2nd continued their unbeaten season when they gained a HWO (home walk over) as SCOB RFC 2nd we’re unable to field a team. Dean Marshall’s men were awarded full points and continue to sit top of Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts 2 North on 58pts with their nearest rivals Marlborough RFC 2nd on 49pts. The 2nd XV travel to Swindon RFC 2nd on Saturday hoping to continue the great form from last year.
The Frome RFC 3rd XV played at home winning in a friendly fixture against Trowbridge RFC 2nd.
