Frome travelled to Oxfordshire to meet old adversaries Grove RFC on Saturday.

The visitors started well with the forwards carrying hard but stern defence by the home side kept Frome at bay and after a Frome knock on Grove worked there way down the pitch to set up the first score.

Frome responded quickly with big carries from Alex Chalmers and Miles Davies creating the opportunity for the backs to put a training ground move in to practice. Henry Bull released Full Back Bailey Rusz to score in the corner, the try was converted by James Howard to bring the scores level.

The scores remained level until just before half time when from a scrum, Grove created a chance to retake the lead with a converted try 14-7 to the home side at half time.

Frome started the second half in much the same way as they started the first, pressuring the Grove try line. The pressure finally paid off when replacement Connor McPherson stretched out to score and Howard converted to bring the scores level again.

With Grove down to 14 men after their No.8 was sin binned, Frome continued to press, with the forwards continuing to carry hard and they took the lead when Howard crashed over.

The turning point in the game came when, with Frome pressing the home line, a pass was intercepted and the Grove winger raced the length of the field for a converted try to give the home side the lead.

A further converted try by Grove increased the lead to 9 points however Frome dug deep and on the last play of the game scored a fourth try through Ali Frost to gain to bonus points.

FT: Grove RFC 28 - 24 Frome RFC

Player of the match was awarded to Full Back Bailey Rusz, however special mention goes the front row of Geoff Taylor. Alex Chalmers and Elliott Bowler who scrummaged well throughout despite having to stay on for the whole 80 minutes due to head injuries to Miles Davies and James Howard, and to Back Rob Sully for filling in in the back row.

This Saturday the 1st XV welcome Newbury RFC to The Lane.