Sun 17 Nov 2024
Topsham RFC Colts 12 - 17 Frome RFC Academy
Report by James Newbery
Frome Academy travelled to Exeter, for their National Cup Fixture versus Topsham RFC Colts on Sunday 17th November.
In the first minute, Topsham put up an early kick. Playing at full back, Zach Sibley collected the high ball well. Next, an inside ball from fly-half Henry Williams, gave Seb Smith room to run, he rampaged to the line, being tackled just short.
Frome spent the next five minutes, camped on Topsham’s line, scramble defence from home side just about kept Frome at bay. But after two dominant Frome scrums the try came. Scrum Half, Cam Vince spread the ball wide, Williams found Bryn Lewis, for the centre to score under the posts. Williams added the extras for an early 0-7 lead.
Minutes later, a promising attack from Topsham, was stopped by a big tackle from Toby Cassidy. Ewan Cox jackled the ball, for a Frome penalty.
Eventually, Topsham did score their try, after repeated phases through the middle, to tie the score.
After repeated infringements against Topsham, Frome kicked to the corner. The forwards, showing early dominance, with a rolling maul. Cox touched down and Williams added what would prove to be an important two points from touchline.
The score was 7-14.
The away side defended well, good scramble defence on try line from Archie Pearn held Topsham at bay. The winger defended well throughout the game with one on one tackles through his channel. From the resulting scrum, Frome cleared their lines.
Unfortunately Topsham were unable to fulfil a front row, following their yellow card, so the game descended into uncontested scrums. The half time score remained at 7-14, in Frome’s favour.
The half began with carry out of contact from Harrie Webster, beating two defenders down the right wing.
As Frome built more pressure, a move off the back of scrum, between Lewis and back-rower Harry Greenwood. Unfortunately, the final pass wasn’t quite there. Topsham scrambled the ball away.
For the next ten minutes, Frome were forced to defend on their try line, the dam refused to burst. Cox and Dom Evans effected repeated turnovers.
When they had possession, Frome looked effective. This included a great carry from the line out from Oscar Stickley, who bumped off multiple defenders and found space.
Quick ball from Alfie Newbery followed and Lewis carried the ball deep into the opponents 22. Cassidy swerved in out, of the rush defence and was narrowly denied a great try.
With the penalty count increasing, Greenwood kicked sticks for Frome for a 7-17 score line.
After a long delay due to injury, the game got underway again. More important defensive sets followed, with repeated big hits from Williams and Evans. Newbery tackled and jackled on the line. Fin Van Gorph kicked with a steely nerve to move the play up field.
Again, Frome were required to soak up pressure, through Cassidy, Smith and Webster. As the sun began setting over Topsham, the game became increasingly tense. With the clock deep in the red, Topsham scored the final try of game, out wide.
The final score was 12-17 win, with Frome moving into the next round of the U18 National Cup.
Players of the Match were Ewan Cox and Toby Cassidy.
