Frome RFC welcomed local side, Bradford on Avon RFC, to Gypsy Lane on Saturday 26th January.
The visitors started brightly despite what their league position indicated, however the home defence stood firm and pressure on the Wiltshire side’s back line resulted in a dropped ball in the midfield which Fly Half Dominic Jones collected on and ran in from 40 metres out to score Frome’s first try converted by James Howard.
The home side got into their stride and started to put pressure on the Bradford on Avon defence. Prop Elliott Bowler broke through the defence and a neat off load found his Front Row partner George Benstead who crashed over for Frome’s second try.
Frome were now in full flow and after a number of phases the ball was moved wide to Ben Tiley to dot down in the corner.
The Frome pack created the next try for Hooker Matt King from a line out catch and drive the try was converted by Howard.
Bradford on Avon were next on the scoresheet when they capitalised on Frome indecision from a free kick to score a try out wide.
The first half scoring was completed when after more great work by the rampaging Forwards the backline were released for Fullback Rob Sully to score out wide. Frome led 29-5 at half time.
Half Time: Frome RFC 1st 29 – 5 Bradford on Avon RFC 1st
The home side started strongly in the second half and with Centres Ali Frost and Calum Bonallo carrying hard, soon after space was created out wide for Winger Luc Thomas to dart over for a try converted by Howard.
The next 3 Frome tries were the result of the home side’s dominance at the scrum with the front row of Benstead, Bowler and King gaining the upper hand over their opponents. Two of the tries were scored by No.8 Alex Mallon who picked up from the back of the scrum along with Frome being awarded a penalty try.
The 10th Frome try was scored by replacement Matt Smith who was bundled over from close range. The final score came when Flanker Ross Toten, now playing at no 8, crashed over from a scrum.
Final Score: Frome RFC 1st 67 – 5 Bradford on Avon RFC 1st
The 1st XV are back in action on February 9th when they travel away to Corsham RFC 1st.
Above: Frome Prop Elliott Bowler.
