Sat 28 Feb 2026
Melksham 19 - 24
Report by Trevor Osborne
Frome travelled to Melksham after a week off looking to build on the recent win against Devizes.
The home side started strongly and with their big forwards carrying hard were pressuring the Frome line, but an inception by Fullback, Max Stickley saw him gallop the length of the field to score close to the post. He converted the try to give Frome the early lead.
Frome gradually gained a foothold in the game with Forwards, James Howard and Joe Caligaba carrying hard.
After Frome had been held up over the line the goal line drop out was gathered and worked to Winger, Harrie Webster who beat a couple of defenders to score Fromes second try out wide.
Frome continued to press and after a penalty in the centre of the pitch the ball was worked out wide to Centre, Sam Cassidy who unselfishly fed the ball to his younger brother, Winger, Toby Cassidy to score his first senior try and give Frome a 17 point lead.
With half time approaching the home side kicked a penalty to the corner and from the line out their No.3 burst through to score an unconverted try.
Melksham started the second half strongly and despite some excellent defence lead by the back row of Captain, Alex Mallon, Josh Hills and Flanker Dave Martin the Melksham No. 3 crashed over to reduce Fromes lead to 5 points.
The homeside continued to press and after Frome had been reduced to 14 men after an infringement on the line, the Melksham No.6 burst over close to the posts and the conversation gave Melksham a 2 point lead.
Frome pressed forward from the restart and were awarded a penalty 40 metres out which was kicked to the corner for a line out. The Frome line out worked perfectly and the ball was worked out to Sam Cassidy who crashed over with 2 defenders to give Frome the lead. Max Stickley converted the try.
With 3 minutes on the clock Melksham threw everything at the Frome defence and after 8 minutes of intense defence Sam Cassidy intercepted a pass and the game ended with Frome coming out on top after a hard fought battle.
FT: Melksham 19 - 24 Frome
Player of the Match went to Centre, Sam Cassidy (sponsored by Cassidy Renovation)
