Match Report 17 November 2007
Frome 4th XV 10 Avonvale 2nd XV 39
Team Sheet
- Steve Grant
- John Crabbe (Capt)
- Mark Smith
- Jerome Blanche
- Simon Harris
- Joel Bunting
- Paul Richardson
- Joe Vowles
- Dave Johnson
- Rob Fitch
- Matt Timbrell
- Corrie Bourne
- James Cottle
- Jason Picton
- Luke Holmes
Replacements
Steve Harding
Scorers
Fitch – 1Try, 2 Pens & 4 Conv; Smith – 1 Try; Johnson - 1 Try; Harding - 1 Try; Picton - 1 Try
As a sign of the recent rejuvenation, Avonvale were able to field a side significantly differing from their league fixtures, with a number of new faces and a fair representation from the Youth side.
Avonvale took to the pitch with confidence and held nothing back in their early onslaught. Early pressure in the Frome 22 was rewarded with a penalty, converted by Rob Fitch. A second followed a similar period of pressure and the visiting side then took a more substantial lead following a tremendous break from halfway by the prop Mark Smith. There was no stopping him and he touched down under the posts for a well deserved try which was duly converted by Fitch.
Frome really took the game to Avonvale in the forwards and applied solid pressure in the loose, but it was unrewarded as solid groundwork from Joel Bunting and Joe Vowles, in the back row, ensured sufficient quality ball for Fitch to score and convert, and then Jason Picton to touch down in the corner securing a healthy lead at half time.
The second half saw Frome with the advantage of the slope, but there was no let up in Avonvale’s persistence to drive the victory home. By midway through the half, additional tries had been scored by David Johnson, following a solid driving maul, and Steven Harding after a chip and chase from Fitch; both converted by Rob Fitch.
At this point, Frome took advantage of the pitch and kicked cleverly, pinning Avonvale deep in their own half and driving them off the ball at their own lineout. Doggedness saw them touchdown from this move and then again from a series of drives of the base of the ruck shortly afterwards, pushing Avonvale back from halfway. The further consolation try came from poor defending at the base of the ruck and Frome salvaged points in what was a very good-natured match.