The rugby season kicked off for the Frome RFC U16's on Sunday morning with a home game, versus Blandford RFC U16's. 

The sun shone for the game and a good home crowd watched as early Frome pressure led to a clean line-out, which released Centre Harrie Webster who jinked into the the opposition 22. This continued for 10 minutes, as two well matched sides traded attack for defence. 

After 10 minutes, Toby Cassidy and Archie Pearn combined well and attacked downfield. The ball was turned over and kicked deep, Blandford gathered the ball and scored. The quarter ended with sustained pressure from a good Frome pack, with Rufus Phelps and Ewan Cox impressing in the loose. 

Blandford's backline used their pace and crisp passing to score out wide twice in the second quarter, to make the score 0 - 19. 

With minutes left on the clock, Alfie Newbery gathered a high ball, stepped the onrushing defender and passed inside to Frome Captain Oscar Stickely. Stickely in turn fed Cassidy, who beat three defenders and was unlucky not to score. Phelps and Kieran Stacey attacked the line, but Blandford were able to clear for half-time. 

The third quarter began with a Blandford attack. Harry Greenwood and Adam Hancock helped affect a turnover before Phelps stole the ball. Fly Half Pearn and Cassidy combined and Zach Sibley, playing out of position, rounded two defenders. He passed to Full Back Liam Backhurst who stepped inside at pace. Blandford gave away another penalty at the breakdown and Frome kicked deep. The line out, a powerful weapon for Frome all day, came up trumps again and Greenwood scored from the resulting maul. He converted his own kick from the touch-line, to take the score to 7 - 19. 

Within the next five minutes, Blandford punished Frome for sloppy defence, scoring two quick-fire tries through more clinical handling and good pace. The score was 7 - 31 going into the final quarter. 

The final quarter began with a well fielded kick from Blandford. Frome via Stacey and Stuart Carpenter held up the ball over the line. But the dam eventually burst and Blandford scored to extend their score by a further 7 points. 

Scrum-half Newbery unleashed Flanker Aelfric Bidder. Stickley followed up and ran the ball into contact, before Cassidy swerved through the defence and chased his own kick. Sibley picked up the loose ball and beat two defenders setting up a line-out. This line-out was to be the last act of the game. Phelps latched onto another good line-out and steamed over the line. 

The score ended 12 - 38, in favour of the away team. A good first outing for both sides. 

Players of the match: Rufus Phelps and Alfie Newbery 

Frome would like to wish Blandford good luck in their upcoming games!

Photos by Katie White.