Devizes RFC Colts 22-20 Frome RFC Academy

Report by Andy Vince

The Frome RFC Academy XV travelled to Devizes for friendly against local rivals on Sunday. Traditionally a very close contest at this age group and today was no different.

It was the home side that started off the better going down the hill. Devizes sent out their big runners and caused the Frome defence all sorts of problems. Despite some good tackling Devizes were awarded a scrum in the Frome 22. From here the No. 8 picked up and powered his way over line. The kick was added.

Then with minutes of the restart the home side were awarded a penalty for hands in a ruck, Devizes pointed at the posts and the kick was made.

Devizes kept up their pressure and there was some good tackles from Centre Bryn Lewis and a try saving tackle from winger Charlie Stratford. Frome were really struggling to get a foot hold in the game, with decisions going against them at key moments.

Then on 20 mins, a discussion between Devizes second row and Frome no. 8 Freddie Chalke resulted in both seeing yellow cards. 

A few minutes later, a missed tackle in mid field allowed the Devizes Centre to break the gain line and showed great pace to get round Ollie Marshall to score. The kick was missed. 

On 30 mins Frome made a change with Ollie Marshal making way. Kimi Eddicott going into Flanker and Will Sharpe coming out into the backs. This change caused the shape of the team to gel better and Frome woke up, getting behind the Devizes defence, with strong runs from Isaac Cornish and Captain Kayden Henley. Hooker Dom Evans was starting to have an impact and on 36 mins, it was Dom Evans who managed to find a gap and not only crashed through, showed great skill side stepping the full back to score under the posts. Kick was made by Noah Stickley.

HT: Devizes RFC Colts 15 - 7 Frome RFC Academy 

At half time changes were made, with Titus Bevan, Will Ibbitson and Cam Vince coming off the bench. 

With Frome now kicking down the slope, they started well with some good carries and better speed at the break downs. Frome drew first blood with a penalty kick taken by Noah Stickley making the score 15 10.

But it was Devizes who scored the next try with a well worked move, getting the ball wide and out pacing the Frome defence who didn't drift across quick enough allowing the Devizes player to go through the gap to score. The kick was added.

Frome showed great character to come back down the field and with a good kick by Noah Stickley and an impressive kick chase by full back Bren Doyle and winger Will Ibbitson, Frome managed to get a penalty for holding on. This lead to some really good ball retention by Frome who went through several phases before prop Ollie Andrews put Centre Bryn Lewis through the gap to score. The kick was missed.

Frome kept pushing and kept making good gains, with Will Sharpe enjoying the freedom over being back in the backs. Frome made their way back into the Devizes half again, some great ball retention, enabled the attack to sweep across the field. Also allowing the backs to try out different moves.

Then on 75 mins following an attacking scrum, Frome went wide allowing outside centre Bryn Lewis to break the line and go over to score again for his 2nd try. Noah Stickley stepped up from out wide to level the score only to see it narrowly miss.

Unfortunately from the restart Frome didn't manage to secure the ball and Devizes were able to keep the ball and eventually kicked it out to take the win.

FT: Devizes RFC Colts 22 - 20 Frome RFC Academy 

Player of the Match was awarded to Bryn Lewis. 

Coach Andy Vince commented "It was a good strong effort from the lads today, we as coaches tried players in different positions and we were pleased with how they were trying out things we've worked on in training. We were very pleased with the way we came back in the 2nd Half and were a few decisions away from getting the win. Lots to work on but very pleased."