Chard RFC 21 - 27 Frome RFC

Report by Andy Vince

With the league season now finished Frome RFC kicked off their Cup run with a trip to Regional 2 Tribute South West side Chard RFC. 

Frome started the half brightly with some direct running and quick rucking. Centre Cory Plumridge was finding space and made some good carries into the Chard twenty two. 

Frome were rewarded for their efforts when Second Row James Howard went over from close range. Unfortunately the conversion was missed. (0-5)

From the restart Frome we're able to build phases and were soon into the opposition 22. A well worked play, straight from the training paddock saw Winger Max Stickley scoring in the corner on his 1st XV debut. The conversion from wide was missed. (0-10)

Chard were able to build pressure and get into the Frome 22 on multiple occasions and on their third visit managed to capitalise on some communication errors in defence and went over the line under the posts. (7-10)

Frome responded well, and some good carries by Prop Phil Clarke getting over the gain line well, followed up well by the Second Row partnership of Stevan Randall and Howard.

Another good move this time from left to right saw Winger Sam Cassidy show some great feet to dance down the touch line and score in the corner. Again the conversion was missed. (7-15)

Frome continued to keep knocking on the door and another good break in midfield which lead to Centre Plumridge finishing the move under the posts. The kick was made by Howard. (7-22)

Chard continued to threaten, and just before half time got back into the Frome 22 and made the most of some under par tackling to get another score. The kick was made. (14-22)

HT: Chard RFC 14 - 22 Frome RFC

Frome came out for the second half, looking to fine tune the error that slowed them down in the first, but the game became scrappy around the break down, as both teams tried to get a foot hold in the game. 

The visitors were first on the scoreboard in the second half following a barn storming run by Randall who crashed over to score, despite several would be tacklers attempting to slow him up. The kick was missed (14-27) 

Chard refused to lie down and kept up the pressure, with a few decisions going against Frome, the players getting frustrated, Chard capitalised on this scoring again with the kick made, making the score 21 - 27.

Tension built further when Flanker Sam Bartlett received a 'team' yellow card. But frome managed to hang on, and it was replacement Flanker, and debutant Owen Jones who got the crucial turn over and won the penalty. 

But the drama hadn't quite finished, as Frome were told this was the last play and Fly Half Simon Westlake tapped the ball and aimed his kick for touch but with the strong wind holding the ball up it looked like a clean catch for the opposition Winger, a poor catch meant the ball would bounce into touch, much to the relief of the travelling Frome Faithful. 

FT: Chard RFC 21 - 27 Frome RFC

Player of the Match was awarded to Second Row Stevan Randall, for an all round good display and scoring a crucial try.

Alex Mallon's Men now await to see who'll the face in the next round of the Papa Johns Community Cup, with plenty of familiar faces in the mix.