Sat 18 Jan 2025
Frome RFC II 22 - 28 Bradford on Avon RFC
Report by Andy Vince
Local rivals Bradford on Avon RFC made the short trip to The Lane this week and with two wins on the bounce, Frome RFC’s 2nd XV were in confident mood.
The first half opening exchanges saw both sides attack well, but neither could gain the upper hand. Some strong running from Forwards Kyle Stickley, Brad Couldle and Gordon Grierson would help Frome begin to build phases.
With 10 mins on the clock Frome were awarded a Penalty just inside Bradford on Avons 10 m line. Fly Half, Jack Stickley stepped up and put the kick through the middle to take a well deserved lead. (3-0)
On 22mns, Frome were so unlucky to miss out on what looked like a certain penalty try. Rob Sully countered from inside the Frome 22, kicking it on and following up by fly hacking it through, with the ball going over the goal line and with the try begging, the opposition player knocking him off balance and he missed out on the touch down.
Then to add insult to injury from the next play Frome attacked again, Bradford on Avon read the play and managed to intercept the pass and run the try. Kick made. (3 - 7)
More good attacks from both sides, in a real battle. Then on 35 mins the visitors went went wide and found a gap, with the full back showing good pace and finding his scrum half to score under the posts. Kick made (3 - 14)
HT: Frome RFC II 3 -14 Bradford on Avon RFC
On 52 mins a good run by Outside Centre Dom Jones, followed up by Winger Rob Sully got Frome close to the visitors try line. Scrum Half, Noah Stickley sniped well and managed to sneak over in the corner. (8 - 14)
Frome was pushing hard to get the upper hand in the game, but Bradford on Avon weren’t ready to give up, and countered really well from a kick, with Frome’s defence found wanting for once in the game, the guests supported well and scored. Kick made (8 - 21)
On 60 mins, another good counter attack, this time from Frome’s Rob Sully who was well supported by Full Back, Darrell Thompson and Jack Stickley, but they were tackled into touch just short of the line.
A few minutes later, some great pressure from Frome’s forwards lead to Rich Hawksworth crashing over the line to score his first try for the club. Kick added by Jack Stickley (15 -21)
Then on 70 mins, with the game going really scrappy, Bradford on Avon were awarded a penalty in Frome’s 22, Frome were slow to react and the visitors tapped and went wide, scoring against the run of play. Kick added (15 - 28)
Frome then threw everything at the opposition narrowing missing on a try with Second Row Chris Lewis falling short of the line, and getting injured in the process.
On 76mins following retained pressure from Frome, the fowards managed to get their try with Gordon Grierson going over. Kick added by Jack Stickley. (22 - 28)
Frome tried hard to get the winning try but were unable to break the line and eventually ran out of time and had to settle for a losing bonus point.
FT: Frome RFC II 22 - 28 Bradford on Avon RFC
Player of the Match was awarded to Fly half Jack Stickley (sponsored by LGS Transport Training), Team Manager Andy Vince commented “Jack hadn’t played in this position for some time and he controlled the game well, kicked really well, but his over all play was infectious as he tried to keep Frome moving forward.
Special mentions to Rob Sully who was so unlucky not to be on the score sheet. Veteran Centres Dom Jones and Matt Warnock who tackled their hearts out and with over 60 years experience between them showed they still could keep up with the youngsters.”
This weekend the Frome RFC 2nd XV welcome Westbury RFC to The Lane in what’s set to be another tough battle.
