Report by Andy Vince

The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed former Frome RFC Player & Unit Coach, Elliott Bowler back to The Lane on Saturday, now the Head Coach of Combe Down, Frome knew the fixture would certainly be a tough battle.

The first half started badly for the home side, with Combe Down taking advantage of some miscommunication in defence and scoring after only 3 mins. The conversion being kicked just wide. (0-5)

Frome came back strong, but when they got in good positions, were unlucky to knock on or miss throw at the line out, which was causing the home side to loose momentum. 

There were certainly some positives however, with some good runs by the Forwards, notably Cameron Hastie who was making his first appearance of the season, Jack Carter who is getting better each game, and Rob James who has been out for a while.

On 10 mins, Frome were awarded a penalty within range, and Captain Garrie Webster elected a kick at posts with Fly Half Ben Eley stepping up to add the 3 points. (3-5)

Combe Down reacted well and put together some good phases, putting Frome's inexperienced back line to the test. The visitors  worked the phases well and despite some great efforts from Centres John Spencer and Josh Hills, Combe Down found a hole to break through to touch down. The conversion being added (3-12)

On 20 mins Frome were unlucky to lose Full Back Jack Stickley to injury, and with a shuffle of the backline continued play.

The game was then played in the middle of the park with Frome making some great breaks and putting some good phases together, but getting frustrated by the last pass going to ground or giving away a penalty in the Combe Down 22. 

On 33 mins the visitors put a good attack together again, and again they went wide and cut through the defence to score. The kick being added. (3-19)

HT: Frome RFC II 3 - 19 Combe Down RFC 

The Half Time break saw James Milton come on to replace No.8 Rob James.

The Second Half did not start well, with Frome losing scrum half Webster to injury, another reshuffle in positions saw Flanker Hastie go to Scrum Half and Daniel Castle come on at No.8.

Despite the disruption it was Frome who were on the score board next with a penalty kick on 48 mins, which Eley slotted. (6-19)

Combe Down attacked well and were pushing for the 4th try and bonus point, but Frome were not going to let them have it easy, tackling their hearts out. 

Unfortunately replacement Full Back Kyle Williamson was penalised for killing the ball just short of the home try line and was awarded a yellow card.

Frome tried to hold out but on 50 mins Combe Down went wide with their Inside Centre who was a constant thorn in the Frome's side all day, cutting through and feeding his Winger for a try out wide. The kick was missed. (6-24)

On 57 mins Rob James came on for Owen Marsh.

The game became a little scrappy as both sides struggled to get any kind of shape, however, a break from Combe Down from their own 22 saw them burst through a tackle and with some good support managed to get behind the Frome defence and score a good team try. The conversion was added. (6-31)

Frome still had some fight left and kept trying to defend, but the visitors still had another try in them and managed to get around the Frome defence and supported well to score the final points of the day.

FT: Frome RFC II 6 - 36 Combe Down RFC

Player of the Match was awarded to Cameron Hastie, a good return for the forward who was always a willing runner and tackled well, going into Scrum Half because of injury was a great effort.

It's been a tough season for the 2nd XV since promotion, but can take plenty of positives from the game. Another stern test awaits them this Saturday when they travel away to 4th place, Yeovil RFC 1st XV. 

(Pictured Cameron Hastie)