Frome RFC U15's v Salisbury RFC U15's

Report by James Newbery 

The onlooking fans at The Lane this lunchtime, enjoyed an excellent game in the autumn sunshine. 

The game began with a bang. Space opened up near half way and good hands from the backs led to Kieran Stacey stepping them fending off the oncoming defender to finish out wide. This is an act the inside centre repeated less than one minute later. A penalty against Salisbury was tapped quickly; this released Aelfric Bidder, who passed inside to Stacey; who again finished well. 

Frome led 10 v 0 for the next fifteen minutes, which was played mostly in Salisbury's half, who defended resolutely. Following a number of big carries and collisions, Salisbury had a scrum on their 22. Freddie Corp hooked against the head, which gave Alfie Newbery quick ball to feed Archie Pearn, who stepped through the defence and finished under the posts; before adding the conversion himself. 

From the kick off Zach Sibley jumped bravely and passed inside to Oscar Stickley, who returned the kick with interest. The ball was recycled well by Stuart Carpenter and Harrie Greenwood, before Rufus Phelps was released to charge through well from 10 meters out. The conversion took Frome to a 24 v 0 lead at half-time. 

Throughout the game, Frome's line-out was consistently good, allowing for territorial dominance. Seven minutes into the second half, Greenwood threw to Rob Norris, this released the backs. Pearn and Stacey ran an X in midfield, which was then recycled well by the forwards. Newbery sniped down the blind side and span a wide ball to Oscar Stickley, who gathered well to dive over the line. 

A few minutes later; another line-out piled on more pressure to the away team. Again, Norris rose, well supported by Harry Millard and Phelps. This time, Frome drove to the line, Stickley peeled off for another close range finish. 

The final few minutes were now very open as both teams spread the ball wide. Defence just about prevailed, with crunching hits from Josh Clarke and Phelps, until the final

score of the game - a few minutes from the end. 

From the edge of the 22 a pick up from Greenwood at 8, gave Newbery space. He sent a cross field kick to the skies, which Sibley snatched and dotted down, for a 39 v 0 win. 

A great way to finish the first league game of the season. Frome would like to wish Salisbury luck for the rest of the season.