The Frome RFC 1st XV were on the road this weekend when they travelled to Banbury RFC looking to follow up on the previous weeks win over Windsor RFC, however they came up against a strong side looking to impress a large home crowd.

Banbury started strongly and put the Frome defence under pressure. The home side were first to score when the Scrum Half darted over from close range.

This was followed by another scor almost straight from the kick off when a dropped ball allowed the Bulls Winger to break free and pass to his supporting player.

Despite being 12-0 down after 10 mins Frome regrouped and for the next 20 mins held out and established a foothold in the match with Captain Alex Mallon and debutants Henry Bull and Miles Davies working hard in attack and defence.

Despite the hard work from Frome, the home side increased the lead when from a penalty in his own half the Fly Half put a punishing kick deep into the Frome 22 and his pack did the rest from the line up as they set up an unstoppable maul for the score.

Frome dug in and after some great carries by both the Forwards and Backs they were awarded a penalty in front the posts which Scrum Half John Benstead took quickly and good hands saw Fullback Rob Sully score in the corner.

Following injuries to both Frome Centre's a forced reshuffle of the backline saw replacement Flanker Harry Bridle step in at inside centre.

The home side put together a number of good moves to increase the score with 4 tries but in between the effort from Frome paid off when after a strong run by Second Row Stevan Randell saw the ball move to Winger Bailey Rusz who touched down to score a try, James Howard adding the extras.

Despite the defeat against a strong Banbury team the performance levels continue to improve.

FT: Banbury RFC 45 - 12 Frome RFC

Director of Rugby, Cameron Hastie commented: "It was a long day at the office for the 1st XV on Saturday, travelling to Banbury was never going to be easy. A very professional set up on and off the field. The team from 1-18 showed the courage and heart to justify why we deserved the promotion to South West 1 East, I'm extremely proud of the dogged attitude that the team showed.

They fought every seconded of the game and left no one on their own, they can certainly hold their heads high, we've shown that Frome RFC 1st XV have built yet another mile stone in our journey.

Thanks to Banbury for hosting us, outstanding reception and made us feel very welcome."

Frome currently sit in 11th in South West 1 East, and with a gap in fixtures this Saturday, the squad will prepare well for their next fixture on 23rd October at home against Beaconsfield.

Frome RFC 1st XV | 1. Taylor 2. King 3. Chalmers 4. Howard 5. Randall 6. Davies 7. Toten 8. Mallon (c) 9. J. Benstead 10. Westlake 11. Rusz 12. Frost 13. Da Jones 14. Bull 15. Sully 16. G. Benstead 17. Bridle 18. Do Jones