Sat 25 Jan 2025
Frome RFC II 14 - 15 Westbury RFC
Report by Andy Vince
The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed local rivals Westbury RFC 1st XV to The Lane on Saturday, with two Frome Academy players making their senior debuts, there was a buzz around the Lane.
Unfortunately Westbury hadn’t read the script and with in one minute of the start, Frome attempted to run the ball out of their 22, the Westbury Centre reading the play and intercepted to touch down. The extras being added. (0-7)
Then on 3 minutes it went from bad to worse for the home side, with a strange try scored by Westbury. Again Frome tried to run their way out of trouble, the ball was lost and Westbury fly hacked it on, and with a lucky bounce, followed by the ball hitting the goal line flag and and falling nicely on the try line, Westbury reacted quicker and touched down wide. (0-12)
With 10mins gone, Frome started to get some joy, with some strong carries from Second Row Kayden Henley and Owen Marsh, then a lovely kick from Full Back Darrell Thompson it looked like Frome were starting to get their game going.
Both sides slogged it out in midfield it what was mostly a forward game, with the backline not able to get a foot hold in the game. Westbury were happy to frustrate Frome and were quick on the jackal.
Frome were also slowed down by losing key players to injury, Fly Half Jack Stickley, Winger Noah Stickley and Second Row Rob James all came off forcing changes.
HT: Frome RFC II 0-12 Westbury RFC
The second half started with Frome attempting to put in to practice what they had discussed at the break. Again though they were frustrated by Westburys defence.
Then on 68 mins with the game being played mostly on half way, the ball came out to Max Stickley and he kicked a 50 - 22, but quick thinking by Full Back Darrell Thompson, who had chased the kick well, took the quick line out and feed Max Stickley who managed to side step the defender and show good strength to reach out and touch down. Max then got up and added the extras. (7-12)
This gave the game a bit of zing, the crowd were now more involved, but from the kick off, Frome knocked on and Westbury realising that Frome had a bit more about them, took the opportunity to score a drop goal, making Frome need two scores. (7-15)
Frome suffered more injury woes, with James Weston and Luke Taylor having to come off causing a re shuffle in the backline.
Frome did well though and with Foward, Nick Powell now on the Wing, showing what youth can do, with two storming runs putting Frome in a great position and giving the crowd something to cheer about.
Then with only five minutes to go, Frome were throwing every thing at Westburys defence, the ball went wide and a nice little grubber kick from Darrell Thompson set up Dumo Ndlovu who touched down in the corner. Max Stickley stepped up from the touch line to make a great kick. (14-15)
Frome then tried hard to get over the line, but just couldn’t quite get there and the final whistle was blown.
FT: Frome RFC II 14-15 Westbury RFC
Player of the Match went to Kayden Henley who carried well and was brilliant in defence, a fantastic performance on debut. And also to Darrell Thompson, who controlled the back three well and came up with some lovely kicks and set up the 2nd try.
The Frome RFC 2nd XV have a tough battle this coming weekend when they make the short trip to high flying Trowbridge RFC 2nd XV.
