Sat 29 Nov 2025
Frome RFC 24 - 08 Swanage & Wareham
On Saturday Frome RFC welcomed Swanage & Wareham RFC to The Lane, with the visitors sitting at the top of Counties 1 Southern South, Frome knew they would have a touch encounter ahead of them.
Frome started strongly and attacked deep into Swans half right from the kickoff.
The first Scrum set the tone, with the homeside dominating and with the Swans pack un able to cope, Frome were awarded a Penalty.
Taking a quick tap penalty and going through a string of phases, the backline released Centre, Cory Plumridge to bulldoze his way over for an early try, the conversion being added by Full Back, Max Stickley.
Frome defended for the next 10 minutes as Swans got the journey out of their legs and attacked the Frome line with vigour. Stout defence kept them from crossing the line and they had to make do with a 3 points due to an infringement at the ruck.
Frome continued to press the Swans line from the restart and only good defence and inaccuracy in the Frome attack prevented a quick reply from the homeside.
Strong ball carries by Prop, Oli Andrews, Hooker, Murray White and matchday skipper Alex Mallon piled the pressure on.
The reward for the continued pressure came soon after when Swans defence finally broke and Second Row, James Howard powered over to extend the lead.
Frome almost extended their lead soon after when Swans cleared their line with a long kick, Winger Harrie Webster caught the ball on half way and fed Max Stickley. Stickley set Centre, Sam Cassidy loose who sent a long pass out to a rampaging Winger, Archie Coleman who surged down the touchline beating defenders for fun only for some fantastic cover defence from Swans to manage to hold him up over the line.
It was Frome’s turn to defend now and after clearing their lines and attempting a counter attack, a chip ahead was fielded well by the Swans Full Back and after being tackled and a quick ruck, the visitors attacked an exposed blindside to score from halfway. The conversion went wide and the half finished 12-8.
HT: Frome 12 - 8 Swanage & Wareham
The second half was a to and fro encounter with Swanage & Wareham trying to gain a foothold but resolute defence by the likes of Flankers Josh Hills and Dave Martin, strong ball carries by Cory Plumridge, Sam Cassidy and Oli Andrews kept Swans away from the Frome try line for a large portion of the half.
A key moment of the game was a prolonged period of try line defence by Frome and penalty which allowed Frome to clear their lines. Moments later a bit of individual brilliance from Winger, Harrie Webster saw him gather the ball on half way, he attacked the Swans flank and seeing space in behind 3 defenders, chipped ahead and outpaced the cover defence to regather his own kick and score in the corner.
Frome weren’t finished yet, more bullocking runs from Cory Plumridge and Murray White, a fresh set of legs in the shape of Phil Clarke gave energy to the whole team and scrum. Billy James added some zip to the attack when he replaced Scrum half John Benstead due to an injury. Flanker, Kayden Henley, enjoying his first run out for the First team at home, added energy to the defence but his energy was tiresome for the referee and deemed an infringement at the side of a ruck, worthy of a yellow card.
Even with 14 men, Frome took the attack to Swanage & Wareham and after some fantastic play and handling in the backs, Archie Coleman working round off his own Wing, supplied Harrie Webster with the perfect pass to put him in space to again show the defence his heels as he went in for his second try of the game. Try converted making the score 24-8, a bonus point win, leaving the visitors with nothing for their efforts.
FT: Frome 24 - 8 Swanage & Wareham
Frome worked hard for this win against the league leaders who were looking to stay top which is going to be difficult in this tightly contested league.
Player of the Match went to Oli Andrews for his powerful ball carries and his scrum dominance.
