The Frome RFC 2nd XV travelled to Melksham RFC 1st XV on Saturday, with a chance of going top of the table, all be it only until the Trowbridge result came through.

With Frome losing the toss, they had to play into the strong wind first half and both defences held firm in the opening exchanges with some great tackling from Hooker Alex Chalmers, No.8 Rob James and Centre Leone Naucuikidi.

Melksham looked to their backs on 11 mins only for their Centre to be chopped down by his opposite number Cory Plumridge.

Frome then managed to gain some possession and with some great lines being ran by Plumridge and Naucukidi in the centres, they were making some good ground.

On 22 mins, Frome won a line out which went out to the backs, a good move got the ball to Winger Kyle Williamson who made ground before Melksham gave away a penalty at the break down. Fly half Dave Abrahams kicked to the corner.

From the resulting line out, Frome caught and drove for the line with great body positions, which the defence couldn't cope with and No. 8 James touched down. The conversion was missed. (0-5)

Frome pushed hard again and on their second visit to Melksham's 22 they got another line out 10 metres out, from this catch and drive the visitors got to within 5 metres from the line, before Melksham gave away a penalty. Prop Phil Clarke quick tapped catching the defence asleep and crashed over in the corner. Conversion missed. (0-10)

On 35 mins Frome were dealt a blow when Scrum Half Harry Burge had to come off due to injury, being replaced by Lepani Kolinisau.

Then on 39 mins the game changed for the visitors, Centre Plumridge cut a great line and fed Flanker Matt Smith, who collided with the defender, which the referee deemed he had led with his arm to the face and therefore dangerous, issuing a red card.

HT: Melksham RFC 0 - 10 Frome RFC II

The first half started with Melksham taking control and making the extra man count, getting into the Frome half quickly and now using their Backline a lot more, as well as the Melksham Prop making big yards.

On 42 mins Melksham were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and the Melksham fly half took the 3 points. (3-10)

Melksham were throwing everything at Frome, but they held firm, with great tackles again from Hooker Chalmers and Second Row Regler. A note worthy tackle of the game came from Frome's Prop Clarke who saw put in a dominate tackle as the two collided, much to the cheers from the sideline.

On 55 mins veteran Second Row Steve Ruddick made way for the returning Stuart Elliott, and Winger Williamson made way for Dennis Wise.

On 62 mins Frome managed to have some joy working through some phases, with some great off loads and carries from the Forward Pack and Backline.

This lead to a penalty 25m out. Captain Abrahams took responsibility and stepped up and slotted the penalty through the middle of the posts. (3-13)

Frome then had to soak up lots of pressure as Melksham threw everything at the Frome defence.

Then on 77 mins, a kick over the top was touched down over Frome's try line and the Referee deemed that Frome had carried the ball over the line, leading to a 5 metre scrum.

Melksham went to their backs and some quick feet from the Melksham Winger saw him touch down in the corner. The conversion was missed. (8-13).

This seemed to wake Frome up and with the clock ticking down they pushed up the field and gained a penalty in front of the posts 30 metres out. Buoyed by the previous penalty Fly Half Abrahams pointed at the posts. This time the kick went narrowly wide. However this didn't matter as this was the final play and the referee called time.

FT: Melksham RFC 8 - 13 Frome RFC II

The Player of The Match was jointly held by Hooker Alex Chalmers and Second Row Mark Regler.

Team Managed, Andy Vince commented "This was a huge match for us, and Ive got to say that was probably the best defensive display i've ever seen from 14 men. Massively proud of my squad this week."

The Frome RFC 2nd XV continue to keep the pressure on the top spot, and still have a game in hand, this Saturday the Frome RFC 2nd XV welcome 5th place Minety RFC.