Sat 12 Oct 2024
Frome RFC II 34 - 36 Salisbury RFC II
Report by Andy Vince
The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed there Salisbury. Counterpart’s to The Lane on Saturday.
Both sides started really well and it was always going to be a tight affair as the two squared up to one another.
But on 15mins Salisbury were awarded a penalty for a high tackle and from this Salisbury went wide and scored in the corner. (0-5)
Frome soon hit back with some storming runs from Stevan Randall, which would be a constant theme throughout the game, this got Frome an attacking scrum inside the Salisbury 22, Scrum Half Casper Morris spotting a gap in the defence and went through it to score under the posts. The Conversion added by Fly Half Noah Stickley. (7-5)
On 22 mins more sustained pressure from Frome, saw Randall and Eliki Bainimoli both making being breaks and carrying well, with the ball moving wide with some good hands by the backline saw Winger Kyle Williamson dance around the defenders to finish in the corner for a try. (12-5)
Salisbury continued to threaten and were making some big runs of their own and a try saving tackle by veteran Winger Matt Warnock kept them out, however it wasn’t long before Salisbury came back at the Frome defence and the sustained pressure resulted in a try. (12-10).
The visitors got a lucky break when their Fly Half was adjudged to have chipped through despite the calls for a knock on, which the Centre gathered and got clear of the defence to score under the posts. The conversion being added. (12-17)
Nearing half time Frome were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Fly Half, Stickley pointed to the posts and made sure of the kick. (15-17)
But straight from the kick off Salisbury caught Frome napping and ran into the heart of the Frome defence and with some strong carries crashed over to score kick made 15 - 24.
HT: Frome RFC II 15 - 24 Salisbury RFC II
The Second half started well for the home side with Bainmoli making a great break early on and setting up a platform for an inside pass to Forward, Rob James who showed great strength from ten metres out to make it to the line to score. Stickley adding the extras. (22-24)
Then on 55 metres Stickley showed some quick thinking and took a quick tap and fed Full Back John Spencer who showed the defence a clean set of heels to score. Stickley added the conversion and Frome took the lead. (29-24)
Frome had the momentum and 5mins later a great move by the Frome Backline saw Williamson running a lovely swing line setting up Spencer who was tackled just short of the line, but from the next phase saw Stickley feed Centre Mike Rutt who crashed over for the score. (34-24)
But Salisbury, who had a strong pack throughout hit back almost straight away managing to score under the posts with their first attack, adding the conversion. (34 - 31)
Things started to go a little astray for the home side, with Frome being dealt a blow as Captain Stuart Elliott was sent to the bin for a high tackle.
Frome’s defence held firm during the 10min spell, but just as Elliott was about to return to the field, Frome were awarded another yellow card this time for an offside and late tackle, Flanker Rowan Walton this time being shown the card.
Salisbury took advantage of the extra man and with more sustained pressure Salisburys Centre managed to get over the line to regain the lead. (34-36)
Frome did mount a last minute effort and threw everything at Salisbury, but they held out and managed to see the game out.
FT: Frome RFC II 34 - 36 Salisbury RFC II
Player of the Match was awarded to Noah Stickley (sponsored by Rodden Road Cars) - managed the game well and his defence was superb
This weekend the Frome RFC are back in action when they take on Bradford on Avon RFC.
