Somerset Cup - Round 1

Winscombe RFC U15s 10 - 20 Frome RFC U15s

Match report by Will Pearn

The Frome RFC U15's travelled to Winscombe RFC U15's on a very wet Sunday morning for the 1st round of the Somerset Cup.

Both teams started well, but it was Frome who set up camp in the Winscombe half, for long stretches of time. It was nip and tuck around every break down with superb rucking from both teams on display. 

The Frome back row, consisting of Dillon Harding, Harry Greenwood and Ewan Cox working tirelessly to retain ball. 

Frome moved closer to the opposition try line through a penalty. Following a kick to touch, a crisp line out unleashed the backs into the mid field. Good tackling resulting in Frome falling short of the try line, the ball was quickly recycled and Zach Sibley wriggled his way over for the first try. The extra's were successfully added. 

Again there was nothing between each side as both started to ship the ball a little wider, in conditions that only suited otters and ducks.

Frome's Harrie Webster and Olly Merritt linked well on the outside, but again Winscombe defence was formidable. They gained a penalty in Frome's half, resulting in a line out on Frome's five meter line. Winscombe scored a well worked try from a driving maul. The extra's were unsuccessful. 

Frome aggressively started the restart and soon gained possession and after a short period of pressure Kieran Stacey, stepped well to cross the line for Frome's second try. Greenwood slotted the conversion.

A well worked ruck for Winscombe would feed the backs and some slick passing saw Winscombe score their second try in the corner. At half time the score was 10-14.

Frome made four changes at half time, that did not change the dynamics of the game with all subs slotting in quickly. The second half was very similar to the first, with both teams tackling very well in particular Rufus Phelps and Rob Norris.

Frome would soon put Winscombe under huge pressure at the ruck time which resulted in a penalty to Frome. Greenwood slotted the penalty to give Frome a seven point lead.

Frome's Hooker Oscar Wallis, won a ball against the head, which led to Scrum Half Alfie Newbery feeding Archie Pearn to go on another strong run, supported by Liam Backhurst. The ball was picked up by Oscar Stickley who tipped passed the ball to Adam Hancock who fell short just of the line.

The ball was turned over and kicked into Frome hands. Winscombe's defence would edge offside to allow Greenwood to slot his second penalty, for a ten point cushion. 

Winscombe came back at Frome hard but Frome defended well and controlled the final few minutes. The game would finish 10-20 to Frome in a very competitive Cup game.