Frome RFC firsts in action and coach perplexed as the team plays at its best best when it doesn't win
By Susie Watkins
9th Nov 2021 | Local News
Frome welcomed a familiar Buckingham RFC to the Lane on Saturday looking to secure a much needed second win of the season.
Playing down the slight slope the home side started strongly and after 7 mins were awarded with a penalty which was kicked to the corner, the line out saw Captain Alex Mallon break through the defence to score the first try of the game, the conversion going wide.Frome continued to press and from another line out in the opposition 22 a catch and drive was set up and aided by the support of the pack, Matt King scored the try converted by Winger Darrell Thompson to give Frome a 12 point lead.
However the visitors then established a foothold in the game and after a number of phases worked the ball out wide for their Centre to score.The home pack continued to work hard and from another line out Flanker Will Button forced himself over to give Frome a 17-5 half time lead.
HT: Frome RFC 17 - 5 Buckingham RFCBuckingham started the second half determined and pinned the home side in their own half and were rewarded for the pressure when after Frome were reduced to 14 men after a high tackle they took advantage of the extra player to score 2 converted tries to lead 17-19.
Frome broke out of their own half thanks to a great run by Winger Bailey Rusz and after a number of phases Frome were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Thompson duly converted to give Frome a slender 1 point lead .The final 15 minutes saw the home side defending against opponents determined to get a score however they managed to hold out until the final whistle for a vital win.
FT: Frome RFC 20-19 Buckingham RFCWe caught up with Frome RFC Head Coach, Toby Culff after the game who said: "For whatever reason, it's so far been the case this year that we've played our best rugby in losses to the 'better' teams, rather than in our wins over rivals at the bottom end.
"This is both encouraging on one hand and mildly concerning on the other, particularly with three big games ahead of us against teams in the latter category. The takeaway from this game has to be that bad performances are easier to bear when they end with a win, and sometimes the result matters more than the means of achieving it. I think, to be fair, our players were due some luck.
"On numerous occasions this year, they've played really bravely and well, with no reward whatsoever. This week, we were nowhere near our best but, crucially, the players found a way to win. With lots of personnel changes (again!) and faced with a determined and aggressive Buckingham, we were unable to find any continuity or rhythm, but we managed to somehow hold on. Just. In this new league, learning how to win these tight matches is absolutely vital, so hopefully this result will engender confidence in the team and ensure that we're similarly dogged in the weeks ahead. Well done and congratulations to all 18 players."
Frome RFC 1st XV | 1. Geoff Taylor 2. Matt King 3. George Benstead 4. Alex Mallon 5. Stevan Randall 6. Will Button 7. Harry Bridle 8. Ross Toten 9. John Benstead 10. Simon Westlake 11. Bailey Rusz 12. Mike Rutt 13. Dom Jones 14. Darrell Thompson 15. Rob Sully 16. Phil Clarke 17. Garrie Webster 18. Dav JonesPictures by Mark Sangster
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