The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed Melksham RFC 1st XV to the Lane on Saturday, who were two places above them in the table, and Frome were looking to make amends for the away loss earlier in the season.

The large home crowd, was boosted by the support of the Frome RFC 1st XV and 3rd XV whose fixtures had been cancelled in the week and were given a great show from the off.

it Was a tightly contested affair from the kick, with the Melksham Fly Half reliving pressure on multiple occasions through well taken kicks.

Frome were unlucky to lose experienced Prop Jason Barraclough within the opening 15 minutes, but the side welcomed Ali Fisher onto the field for his first 2nd XV debut.

It was the visitors who were on the scoreboard first, after winning their lineout 5 metres out and the strong pack set up well to drive over from close range in the corner, much to the efforts of the Frome defence. The Melksham Fly Half unable to convert.

From the restart Frome began to get their game plan together and were able to build multiple phases of play, however the away side showed why they say second in the league and able to disrupt the home sides set piece and slow the ball to easily in several break downs.

But on 25 minutes, following some great defensive pressure from the Frome Backline in the home sides 22, and a massive tackle from Outside Centre Matt Warnock, Full Back Darrell Thompson seized on the loose ball to break away on a scintillating run all the way to opposition 22 just to be brought down by a tap tackle by the covering Melksham Winger just short of the line.

The home side were now gaining ground with each attack but saw chances go begging with the final passes going to ground. There was a reshuffle in the pack and Backline with Stevan Randall making a welcomed return coming on for Fisher and Connor McPherson into the pack pushing Joe Wildman into the Backline Kyle Williamson.

With the final minute of the half Frome were awarded a Scrum five metres from the Melksham try line. The home Forwards now bursting with confidence drove well and forced the Melksham pack backwards, subsequently the pressure was too much and the Scrum Half impeded, and the referee awarded a Penalty Try.

Half Time Score:

Frome RFC II 7 - 5 Melksham RFC

The second half remained tight with both sides gaining the advantage for short periods only to let the other side back into the game. Frome were awarded a penalty 7mins into the half with 47 with Frome Fly Half Ben Eley narrowly missing the penalty kick.

Shortly after Frome looked to take hold of the game, with Scrum Half Harry Burge commanding his Forwards well, and Fly half Eley orchestrating the Backline, it looked like we're going to get another score, but Melksham's defence held firm as their tackle count increased.

Prop Christophe Giraud made way for the return of Barraclough in the front row as the game was on a knife edge, Melksham continued to threaten and always looked dangerous with ball in hand, but were met with strong resistance as the home side held firm, gaining some great turn over ball.

With 4 minutes on the clock the home side gave away a Penalty on their ten metre line, which the Melksham Fly Half slotted with ease sending the visitors into the lead for the first time in the game. (7-8)

With minutes remaining Frome came out all guns blazing, a perfect kick off from Eley gave his forwards a great chance of competing for the ball, another knock on saw a last ditch opportunity however shorty after a penalty for Frome gave Eley the opportunity to kick the side back in front, calmly striking the ball between the posts to take a 10-8 lead.

The last minutes of the game were tense as Melksham looked to attack but the Frome defensive line held strong and were on a quickly onto ball carrier and the referee deemed Melksham to be holding on.

Thompson tapped the ball and saw the kick out out into touch for the final whistle to be blown and the Frome RFC 2nds come away with the win.

Final Score:

Frome RFC II 10 - 8 Melksham RFC

The Man of the Match award, sponsored by The Old Bath Arms, Frome went to No.8 Mark Regler.

On Saturday the Frome RFC 2nd XV are back in action with the rescheduled away fixture to Minety RFC 1st.