Sat 20 Apr 2024
Papa Johns Community Cup | Round 2 Counties 1 South Plate
Frome RFC 47 - 16 Paignton RFC
Report by Trevor Osborne
After last weekends away win to Clevedon in Round 2 of the Papa Johns Community Cup, Frome welcomed Paignton RFC to the Lane in Round 2 looking to progress in front of a large crowd.
The early exchanges were even but the seasiders took an early lead when Frome conceded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted by the visiting 10.
Frome hit back immediately when after a number of phases with the forwards carrying hard, Second Row James Howard made a break and found Hooker John Benstead on his shoulder who side stepped his was over for the first try of the game, this was duly converted by Full Back Henry Bull.
The visitors reduced the deficit from another penalty, however Frome restored the 4point lead through another Henry Bull penalty shortly after.
With half time approaching, and with a line out close to the line, the evergreen forward Dan Castle forced himself over from close range to give Frome a 18-6 lead at half time.
HT: Frome RFC 18 - 06 Paignton RFC
Playing down the hill in the second half Frome started strongly and from a scrum close to the half way line No.8 Alex Mallon linked with Scrum Half, Zach Bartlett who chipped over the defence and collected the kick to score an unconverted try in the corner.
The home side continued to press and from a scrum in the visitors 22 the backline worked a move in midfield which released wing Simon Finch to beat several defenders to touch down for another converted try.
Paignton then had a period of pressure on the Frome line and despite some staunch defence created an overlap for their winger to score out wide.
Frome were awarded a penalty in the opposition half which they opted to kick for the corner and from the ensuing lineout the forwards created a driving maul and Benstead touched down for his second try.
Frome were now very much in the driving seat and the next try came when deft hands by the backline put replacement Winger Tom Weston away from 40 metres out to score another try.
Paignton to there credit continued to compete, and always looked to threaten, despite being under pressure in the set piece and scored a deserved second try.
Frome had the final say when a cross field kick by Zach Bartlett was collected by replacement Winger Rob Sully, who plucked the ball from the air to score in the corner.
FT: Frome RFC 47 - 16 Paignton RFC
A great effort by Frome and they look forward to the Quarter Finals next weekend away to Kingsbridge RFC.
Thank you to Paignton for making the trip and fully contributing to an entertaining game, we wish them all the very best for next season.
Player of the Match was awarded to Scrum Half Zach Bartlett, and to Hooker John Benstead.
