The Frome RFC 2nd XV welcomed Marlborough RFC 2nd XV to The Lane on Saturday, as they continued their recent good run of form, but the home side were dealt a blow before the whistle with Garrie Webster picking up an injury in the warm up, and with the visitors bringing a very strong side, a tough encounter was certainly on the cards.

Frome started the half stronger and soon got into the Marlborough half, applying pressure at set pieces, in particular dominating the Scrums.

Line outs were a challenge for both Hookers due to the strong wind, but on five mins a Marlborough throw in saw Flanker Matt Smith steal the lineout resulting in a great drive with Prop Jason Barraclough crashing over the line for the first score. Captains David Abrahams unfortunately missing the conversion.

On 11 mins Centre Cory Plumridge cut a great line which out witted the defence and the Marlborough Centre high tackled his opposite number, the referee managing the situation well and issuing a yellow card for the illegal tackle.

Frome continued to dominate the set pieces and kept piling on the pressure with get lines run by Plumridge and his Centre partner Finn McNulty.

Frome managed to steal another line out with Smith being a constant thorn in Marlborough's side, this time despite the good drive Frome couldn't get the touch down and were held up.

Frome were mixing it up well, with Fly Half Abrahams attempting a cross kick with Winger Ed Darwent would have been in on the try line but unluckily knocked it on.

On the opposite wing, Kyle Williamson made some great runs, and was close to scoring only to be bundled into touch short of the line by commute covering defence.

Marlborough then had their turn to put the pressure on with some strong running, but Frome held well and forced them to go wide, but again the Frome backs were up to the task, forcing their opposite numbers to make errors under pressure.

On 30 mins after soaking up lots of pressure, Frome got back into Marlborough's 22 and were awarded a five metre scrum. Frome put everything into it and pushed over allowing No.8 Rob Jones to touch down. The strong wind continuing to play its part saw the kick go just wide.

HT: Frome RFC II 10 - 0 Marlborough RFC II

The half time break saw Second Row Stevan Randall come on for Mark Regler.

Marlborough now had the elements on their side, with the rain now starting to fall Frome attacked up the slight slope, but Full back Izaak Salmon-Brown continued to show composure under the high ball and returned with confidence.

On 45mins the changes were made with Williamson making way for Dennis Wise and James making way for Damon Ashmore. Marlborough managed to get more possession this half and used their backs well, but again Frome held firm.

But on 53 mins the visitors managed to make some ground and this time made the passes stick and ran in a try in the far corner. The kick was missed.

Frome then managed to get their game back together but were unlucky with the either final pass not going to hands, or getting isolated and giving away a penalty. This kept slowing their momentum, but Frome didn't give up with Scrum Half Harry Burge dictating play at the break down and some big carries by Smith and Gordon Grierson, Frome kept themselves in the game and looked to be the better team.

On 70 mins James came back on for Barraclough which saw a reshuffle in the pack.

Credit to Frome instead of playing the game out and settling for the score they pushed for the bonus point and were unlucky with some of the final passes, but on the 78th minute following a great effort in the Marlborough 22, and following a reset scrum, Forward Stevan Randall picked up and crashed over from close range. The kick was missed, and the referee blew for the final whistle.

FT: Frome RFC II 15 - 5 Marlborough RFC II

Player of the Match went to Scrum Half Harry Burge for his management of the break down and some big tackles. Special mention to Centre Cory Plumridge for his efforts and his try saving tackle.

Team Manager, Andy Vince commented "I thought this was a great effort from Frome today, Marlborough brought a very good team, and we had to deal with the weather as well. The performance wasn't as good as I'd like but that's what good sides do, even when they are struggling they still find a way to win and that's what we did today. Proud of the team."

This Saturday the Frome RFC II make the short trip to 9th place Westbury RFC, as Frome look to keep the pressure on 1st place Trowbridge RFC II, who sit just 3pts ahead of Frome, who sit in 2nd place. Westbury will certainly bring another hard test for Abrahams men, but will take great confidence from the recent wins.