Blandford RFC c Frome RFC II

Report by Andy Vince

The Frome RFC 2nd XV were on the road again on Saturday when they travelled to Blandford RFC 1st XV.

The first half didn't start well for Frome, who straight from kick off, were put under pressure.

Some good defence and last ditch tackles stopped Blandford scoring in the opening minutes where it was held up over our line.

On 6mins Blandford worked the phases well and sucked the Frome defence in then went wide out numbering the defence and going over to score.

Then on 14 mins unfortunately lightening struck twice, the same move sucked the Frome defence in and again Blandford worked the ball wide well, touching down again.

Blandford's confidence was now growing, and a deep kick into the Frome 22 caused the defence problems and Frome didn't deal with it well, leading to a 5m scrum, Blandford took full advantage and pushed over to score.

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On 23 mins Frome were dealt another blow when they lost full back Pete White to injury, this caused a reshuffle, putting Josh Hills into the backs and veteran forward Daniel Castle on a little earlier than expected.

On 26 mins following some good work by Frome with some great runs by Jack Carter, Mark Regler and Dan Castle who was already making his mark on the game, Frome lost a scrum against the head, and Blandford went wide and managed to get round the defence and score again.

Frome suddenly started to put some phases together and forwards were protecting the ball well, gaining so much needed ground and picking up penalties. This took Frome into the Blandford 22, and with some quick thinking by Mark Regler, tapping and crashing over the line to score.

This was only short lived however, Blandford cross kicked putting the Frome defence under pressure resulting in a steal at the break down and going over from close range.

HT: Blandford RFC 25 - 5 Frome RFC II

Frome started the half well and came out fighting, Centre Ethan White made a great break from Frome's 22 only to be high tackled on the half way line by the Blandford prop who was sent to the bin with a yellow.

Frome held their own for the next ten minutes with hooker Jack Carter making some strong runs and the backs making ground. Some good tackling from Josh Hills in the centre and full back Jack Stickley.

But on 51mins a loss of concentration in the defence saw the Blandford centre cut through and under the posts. The kick was added.

On 63 mins Blandford were awarded a scrum 5m out from Frome try line, the scrum half spotting a gap sniped through scoring under the posts. The kick was added.

Frome then threw everything at Blandford, making good ground through the forwards picking and going, with Dan Castle leading the way with some big carries. On 80 mins this good pressure set up Jack Carter to go over for a score.

Frome weren't quite finished yet, going from the kick off straight into the heart of Blandford's defence, using the same tactics with Jack Carter benefitting again going over for his second try.

FT: Blandford RFC 39 - 15 Frome RFC II

Player of the Match was awarded to Dan Castle for changing the mind set of the forwards and leading by example and to Ethan White for a captains display and some great runs from centre.

Special mentions to Jack Carter and Mark Regler for putting in a massive shift. Great effort.

The Frome RFC 2nd XV in action again this weekend when they welcome local side Trowbridge RFC 2nd to the Lane.