Sat 8 Jan 2022
Frome RFC II 15 - 19 Trowbridge RFC II
The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed local rivals Trowbridge RFC 2nd XV to the Lane for a top of the table clash. Unfortunately the weather was going to take a big part in the result of the game with the rain coming down all morning.
Frome received the kick off and straight away got into their phases well, making good ground and on just 3 minutes received a penalty which was kicked to the corner. From the resulting line out Frome drove well and took the lead with Hooker Phil Clarke crashing over, the follow up conversion unfortunately going just wide.
Frome continued to apply pressure on the Trowbridge line out which resulted in a scrum in a great position with the forwards attacking the blind side and again Hooker Clarke benefitting from some great Forward work and crashed over for another try, the tight angle made it difficult for Brad Parry, and the conversion just missing the target.
Then on 21 mins Frome lost their talisman Centre Matt Warnock to injury with John Spencer coming on to replace him.
This seemed to unsettle the Frome side and Trowbridge took advantage of Frome’s loss of concentration and piled on the pressure. This pressure eventually took its toll on 39 mins and Trowbridge crossed the line.
HT: Frome RFC II 10 - 7 Trowbridge RFC II
The start of the second half began as it the first half ended, with Trowbridge pushing hard and using their Backline well and making breaks in the middle of the Frome defence. The weather was making it hard work with the ground becoming more and more difficult to find your feet.
On 43 mins Centre Cory Plumridge was adjudged to carried out a high tackle on his opposite number and was awarded a yellow card.
This just gave Trowbridge the upper hand and lift they needed and they managed to put pressure on the resulting line out and crossed the line to take the lead. The conversion being missed.
Frome then started to get a bit of pressure of their own going, with Plumridge returning to the field and making some destructive runs.
On 65mins, with Frome on the attack the weather conditions played their part again, Fly Half David Abrahams knocking on in the midfield, the Trowbridge Centre fly hacked the ball on and then it was just a foot race to the line with the visiting Centre kicking forward one more time before touching down. The conversion being added.
Frome then displayed great strength in character and fought back showing why they too are fighting for the top spot, and got back up the pitch play by play. Eventually getting into the Trowbridge 22 and driving to line with Clarke scoring for hat trick try. The conversion going just wide again.
Frome tried to keep the ball alive and force their way back up the pitch but unfortunately they lost the ball in contact on half way and Trowbridge kicked the ball out of play to claim a hard fought away win.
FT: Frome RFC II 15 - 19 Trowbridge RFC II
Player of the Match went to Phil Clarke for a hat trick scoring display.
With the results across the league, Frome now sit behind Trowbridge in 2nd place with the current league leaders having a game in hand.
Frome will regather during the week as they prepare for another tough fixture away to Wamrinster RFC 1st XV.
Frome RFC 2nd XV: 1. J Barraclough 2. P Clarke 3. G Grierson 4. J Hayes 5. S Randall 6. J Gagiano 7. M Smith 8. R James 9. H Burge 10. D Abrahams (c) 11. C Plumridge 12. M Warnock 13. B Parry 14. C Thompson 15. R Sully 16. M King 17. D Ashmore 18. J Spencer
