Frome RFC welcomed Cheltenham RFC to The Lane on Saturday looking to build on recent performances. However, their preparation was disrupted when inspirational scrum half Garrie Webster had to pull out through injury just before kick-off.
Frome started strongly with the forwards carrying hard into the opposition half and were rewarded when Cheltenham strayed off side and full back Henry Bull converted the ensuing penalty.
Frome continued to press and another Bull penalty increased the lead. They extended their lead when a number of phases with forwards Josh Hill and Alex Mallon carrying well created an opportunity for second row, James Howard to power his way towards the line, and stretch out for the score to give Frome an 11-point cushion.
Cheltenham got back in the game when their hooker scored from a catch and drive. The lead was restored to 11 points when from a line out close to the visitors line, a throw over the top was collected by Player of the Match Jason Barraclough who barrelled over from close range.
Frome continued to press with the scrum dominating and the back three of Henry Bull, Bailey Rusz and debutant Tom Weston creating opportunities. The second half started with the visitors looking to reduce the deficit and they created space for their elusive winger to score the first of three trys.
Frome continued to press and another penalty for an infringement at the scrum allowed Bull to extend the lead. The home side were dominant in the scrum and a penalty was kicked to the corner and from the maul George Benstead touched down.
The Cheltenham winger once again found the space out wide whilst Frome were reduced to 14 men when Sam Bartlett was sin binned to bring the visitors back into the game.
A penalty from Bull increased the lead and despite a late try by Cheltenham, the Gypsy Lane side held on to score an important win.
There were fantastic performances from all across the park, but it was prop Jason Barraclough and scrum half Simon Westlake who took joint Player of the Match awards.
Report by Trevor Osborne.
