This was always going to be a tough fixture in the diary, with the Frome 2nd XV sitting top of Dorset & Wilts 1 North, and Melksham RFC 1st not far behind we were certainly set for a battle.

The weather conditions were also playing a major factor with the wind blowing a gale, making the chill factor even lower.

The first half started with Melksham making good use of the wind and clearing their lines effectively with some deep kicks. Frome managed to keep Melkshams big pack at bay and defended well man on man.

When Frome did get the ball, they tried to break through the impressive Melksham defensive line, but with several knock ons it was proving very difficult and kept slowing down any momentum that the home side tried to build.

On 18 mins Melksham were awarded a penalty on the 10 metre line and with the wind behind their kicker the first points were scored.

Frustratingly this was followed by another penalty on 22 mins, this time on the half way line, and with eye for the posts already the Melksham Fly Half slotted it over.

The two packs battled it out mostly in the centre of the pitch, with each side testing out each others defences, every now and then breaking through but unable to capitalise.

Then on 34 mins another penalty was awarded inside Frome's half and again the visiting kicker took advantage of the wind and slotted the 3 points.

Frome managed to get their game plan into operation, and on 39mins, a break by Stevan Randall on the right side of the pitch, was followed up by some good hands to sweeping back left and Flanker Damon Ashmore found Full Back, Rob Sully who was stopped just short of the line but Outside Centre John Spencer managed to get over the line to score. Fly Half Ben Eley lined up the kick wife against the wind but the ball went just wide.

HT: Frome RFC II 5 - 9 Melksham RFC

Frome hoped to kick on in the second half building on the momentum they'd finished the first half with but sadly this wasn't the case as the two sides cancelled each other out in midfield with some great plays and defence.

Melksham were award a penalty on 50mins in Frome's 22 which they took quickly and caught Frome asleep and the Melksham player touched down under the posts, adding the conversions.

Frome desperately tried to get back into the match, but every time they tried they were matched by Melksham's defence. But on 75 mins after a sustained amount of attacks and pressure by Frome, the pack finally got the try, with Prop Phil Clarke smashing over the line. Eley adding the extras. 12 - 16

With the final whistle approaching Frome attempted to keep attack the visitor line to get the win but Melksham held out well for the win.

FT: Frome RFC II 12 - 16 Melksham RFC

Man of the match went to Stevan Randall.

The result meant the Frome RFC 2nd XV dropped to 2nd in the league, another tough fixture on the cards this Saturday when they travel to Minety RFC 1st XV.

Frome RFC 2nd XV | 1. Jason Barraclough 2. Matt King 3. Phil Clarke 4. Mark Regler 5. Alex Twigger 6. James Milton 7. Damon Ashmore 8. Stevan Randall 9. David Abrahams (c) 10. Ben Eley 11. Craig Thompson 12. Matt Warnock 13. John Spencer 14. Cory Plumridge 15. Rob Sully 16. Gordon Grierson