Match report by Trevor Osborne

Frome RFC travelled to Gordano RFC for the first league game of the season. Following the reshuffle of leagues Frome are now competing in Regional 2 Tribute Severn - a competition that sees them continue to play at level 6, and will feature teams from across Gloucestershire, Bristol and Wiltshire.

The home side started strongly with a couple of early penalties giving them field position and despite some resolute Frome defence lead by debutant Sam Bartlett the home side scored first when their No.8 crashed over from close range for a converted try.

An early injury to Frome RFC Second Row Connor McPherson saw Joe Cagilaba make his first team debut.

Gordano increased their lead when after an interception in the midfield saw the ball move out to the wing with the Fullback scoring out wide, despite a last ditch tackle by Frome's Bailey Rusz. The successful conversion from out wide saw the lead increased to 14 points.

Frome started to get into the game with the Forwards carrying hard providing a platform for the Half Back pairing of Simon Westlake and John Benstead to get the backline moving.

A penalty in midfield against Frome was kicked into the corner and the big Gordano pack set up a position for the No.8 to crash over for an unconverted try. 

As time was running out on the first half Frome gathered the kick off and after a break up the middle by Centre Ali Frost, the home defence were adjudged to have committed an offence at the break down. Frost converted the penalty to leave the half time score 19-3.

HT: Gordano RFC 19 - 3 Frome RFC 

Frome started the second half strongly with the back three creating problems for the home side. 

A long pass from Finn McNulty put Winger Henry Bull in space 50 metres out who used his pace and power to breakthrough 3 would be tacklers to score.

With 10 mins left on the clock Gordano increased their lead when the No.8 broke down the wing to score. Unfortunately Prop Jason Barraclough dislocated his elbow in the tackle, forcing Frome to reshuffle the pack and for Benstead to move into the front row.

Frome dominated the final ten minutes and from a scrum in the 22 the ball was moved to Frost who burst through and scored a converted try under the posts . 

With time running out Frome gathered the kick off and swift interplay between Prop Geoff Taylor and McNulty released the winger to score under the posts from 40 metres out. McNulty converted his own try to complete the scoring and give Frome a bonus point. 

FT: Gordano RFC 26 - 22 Frome RFC

Player of the Match was awarded to Flanker Sam Bartlett.

Frome RFC Head Coach, Dom Jones commented "The results didn't go our way this week, but In what turned out to be a challenging week with injuries and unavailability, we are immensely proud of the effort and application of all the players involved with the 1st and 2nd XV. 

This weekend not only tested the players physically, but mentally too. There was some excellent rugby played, some outstanding performances across both teams, and of course there are areas which we will look to improve on in training this week. Our focus now turns to keynsham at home next weekend."

This Saturdays sees the Frome RFC Mens 1st XV return to The Lane for their first home game of the season against Keynsham RFC.