Sat 21 Sep 2019
Despite their heavy loss to Devizes last week, we knew that Thatcham would be a different proposition at home and we remembered well from last season's fixtures how determined and resilient they are. We therefore prioritised a powerful start and, generally speaking, the players delivered exactly that. The set piece functioned well, especially the scrum, where Benstead and Bowler were again excellent, and there were strong early carries from Mallon, Howard and Lech. When we did concede possession, our defence was well organised and rugged, typified by Steve Randall and Matt Smith in the backrow. As usual, Rob James closed down space and generally annoyed the opposition. What was especially pleasing was the performance in the first 20 minutes of our backline. We looked sharp and made early dents in the Thatcham line, and we were especially dangerous down the right side where Craig Thompson and Rob Sully made big gains and scored an excellent try. We deserved to be 0-19 up after 20-or-so mins and we should have gone on to score several more before the break. Unfortunately, however, we failed to keep up the same pressure and precision, and we allowed the momentum to shift to Thatcham. Perhaps we got tired in the heat but most aspects of our game - especially the set-piece, our handling and our overall 'oomph' with the ball - tailed off and became sloppy.
The priority for the 2nd half was to play with more pace and physical intensity, and we achieved this for the most part. Our forwards ran more directly and with more purpose, and our powerful runners in the backs - Frost, Rutt and Darrell Thompson - starting making regular incursions. The game was well managed by our two halfbacks, Si Westlake and John Benstead, and our three 2nd half replacements - Taylor, Storey and debutant Harry Bridle - all brought fresh energy. We scored some excellent tries and, despite still having to defend for extended spells against a resolute Thatcham opposition, we were considerably more dominant than in the first period.
The players were satsified with the performance and the scoreline, though it was generally felt we could and should have done slightly better. Next week's home fixture against Grove will be a stiffer test and a much more consistent, dynamic and disciplined performance will be required.
The Man of the match award, sponsored by The Old Bath Arms, Frome went to Simon Westlake and Stevan Randall.
