On Saturday the Frome RFC 3rd XV welcomed their counterparts from Nailsea & Backwell RFC in the Counties 4 Tribute Somerset North fixture.

Despite the constant wind and rain set to play its part throughout game, both sides looked to move the ball around and after a Nailsea & Backwell Scrum, the visitors built themselves a platform for the Scrum Half to dive over from close range. The conversion going wide. (0-5)

The score didn't dampen the homsides spirits, and it wasn't long until Frome regained possession following a trademark tackle from Phil Clarke, which saw the ball coming loose and Frome awarded the Scrum.

Frome were now building some good phases together, through forwards Kristian Carpenter, Hugh Haines and Scott Woodward who were all carrying strongly.

The pressure mounted on the opposition when the quick thinking from Hooker Matt Jones, saw him throw a quick lineout to Scrum Half Bryan Loftus who scooted down the wing and score under the posts. (5-5)

The restart saw a great take by No.8 Steve Ruddick, who broke through several tacklers before offloading to Flanker Rich Phillips, who made his way to the half way line before being halted by the visiting defence.

Full Back Jamie Eveleigh continued to work brilliantly at the back, with some great darting runs getting the homeside into good field position.

However, with time running out in the half Frome we're unable to build the pressure into points. 

HT: Frome RFC III 5 - 5 Nailsea & Backwell RFC III

With the weather starting to deteriorate, the second half didn't start well for the home side with some missed tackles in the midfield, the visitors began to batter the home line, and it wasn't long until the 9 spotted the gap to dart over to score. The kick being missed. (5-10)

Centre Jamie Smith pulled off a fantastic take at the restart to get Frome deep into the Nailsea & Backwell half. With a quick play of the ball, Fly Half Toby Reilly spotted the space and dived over under the posts. Reilly followed up with the conversion. (12-10)

Frome pressure increased when a masterclass in evasion was on display when Centre James Gallop jinked and weaved his way through several would be tacklers to score from 30m out, Reilly adding the extras (19-10) 

Winger Joel Whalley was next in the scoresheet when the ball was secured by the Forward pack and moved through the backline which saw the Winger cross over in the corner, the kick going just wide. (24-10)

Nailsea & Backwell continued to threaten with some strong ball carries by there large Forwards, and were soon on the scoreboard following a loose play by Frome which was kicked through, and the chase was on. But Frome were deemed to have tackled the player off the ball and a Penalty try was awarded. (24-17)

With the final minutes of play the dominate Pack set the platform at a Scrum for Clarke (now at No.8 to pick up and break his way through into the opposition 22 before passing to the supporting Steve Ruddick, who broke a tackle and offloaded to Phillips who scored under the sticks. Kick added by Reilly (31-17) 

The final minute saw Frome look to score again, but some top defence from the visitors kept them out, and a knock on on the try line saw the final whistle blown. 

FT: Frome RFC III 31 - 17 Nailsea & Backwell RFC III

Player of the Match was awarded to Flanker Rich Phillips for his continuous hard work and strong carries.

A special mention must go also to the man in the middle for his superb officiating of the game, thank you to Roger Gilson from Somerset Referee Society.

The win sees the Frome RFC 3rd XV move up to 5th place with several games still in hand. This week the 3rd XV travel to Old Redcliffians RFC 3rd XV, who are yet to loose a game.