Despite their heavy loss to Devizes last week, Frome RFC knew that Thatcham would be a different proposition at home and the players remembered well from last season's fixtures how determined and resilient they are.

Frome therefore prioritised a powerful start and, generally speaking, the players delivered exactly that.

The set piece functioned well, especially the scrum, where Benstead and Bowler were again excellent, and there were strong early carries from Mallon, Howard and Lech.

When Frome did concede possession, their defence was well organised and rugged, typified by Steve Randall and Matt Smith in the backrow.

As usual, Rob James closed down space and generally annoyed the opposition. What was especially pleasing was the performance in the first 20 minutes of Frome's backline.

They looked sharp and made early dents in the Thatcham line, and Frome were especially dangerous down the right side where Craig Thompson and Rob Sully made big gains and scored an excellent try.

Frome deserved to be 0-19 up after 20-or-so mins and they should have gone on to score several more before the break.

Unfortunately, however, the visitors failed to keep up the same pressure and precision, and Frome allowed the momentum to shift to Thatcham.

Perhaps they got tired in the heat but most aspects of our game - especially the set-piece, the handling and the overall 'oomph' with the ball - tailed off and became sloppy.

The priority for the second half was to play with more pace and physical intensity, and Frome achieved this for the most part.

The forwards ran more directly and with more purpose, and the powerful runners in the backs - Frost, Rutt and Darrell Thompson - starting making regular incursions.

The game was well managed by Frome's two halfbacks, Si Westlake and John Benstead, and their three second half replacements - Taylor, Storey and debutant Harry Bridle - all brought fresh energy.

Frome scored some excellent tries and, despite still having to defend for extended spells against a resolute Thatcham opposition, they were considerably more dominant than in the first period.

The players were satisfied with the performance and the final scoreline of Thatcham 0 - Frome 45, though it was generally felt the away side could and should have done slightly better.

Next week's home fixture against Grove will be a stiffer test and a much more consistent, dynamic and disciplined performance will be required.

The Man of the Match award, sponsored by the Old Bath Arms, Frome, went to Simon Westlake and Stevan Randall.