Avonvale RFC 29 - 12 Frome RFC II

Report by Andy Vince

Frome went to local rivals Avonvale following a heavy defeat last week to the league leaders Wimborne. With a lot of players out with injury or unavailable, there was some unusual selections with popular Hooker Phil Clarke coming back from injury into the Centres.

The first half started badly for the visitors who conceded a try early on, but regained their composure, with Rob James being the king of the jackle wining important turnovers. Tom Weston playing out of position at Fly Half, was orchestrating his side well and Frome were playing the better rugby and were close to scoring when Second Row Stuart Elliott looked to score only to have a last ditch tackle knock the ball free as he was going over the line.

Then against the run of play Avonvale got passed the defence and it looked like Centre Josh Hills had his man, only he managed the most sublime off load which put the Avonvale Winger into the corner for a second score to the home side.

Frome continued to battle hard but were hit with a further score just before half time, which again went against the run of play.

Avonvale opened the scoring in the second half, but that would be their final points, with Frome starting to believe in themselves, Prop Mark Regler lead from the front and pushed his side on. Centre Josh Hills started to make gains and was making good ground. 

Phil Clarke went into his familiar role of Hooker and made a big difference. Midway through the half Clarke received the ball five yards out on a great line and crashed over to score.

Frome had the bit between their teeth now and kept up the pressure, Avonvale were struggling to deal with Tom Weston and Josh Hills, the pack were making great inroads. No.8 Bailey Brook who had been causing the Avonvale defence problems all afternoon, managed to pick up from the back of a scrum and crash over for a well deserved try. Tom Weston converted.

Frome kept up the pressure and but Avonvale  defended well to see out the game.

FT: Avonvale RFC 29 - 12 Frome RFC II 

Player of the Match went to No.8 Bailey Brook, good display, controlled the ball well at the scrum and carried well causing problems to the Avonvale defence all afternoon.