Match report:
Frome 4th v CCRFC 2nd

The cancellation of the 1st XV fixture to enable Cary's 2nd XV to field a full side meant a change of venue for them, so they have yet to play a home game this season.

Boosted by willing volunteers from the 1st team, the players started the game with confidence and control and were rewarded in the opening minutes with a penalty in front of the Frome posts. A straightforward conversion by Ben Snook put Cary on the scoreboard 0–3.

With their heads up, Cary demonstrated some excellent play from the forwards and really started to challenge everything the Frome side threw at them. It was not long before the visitors crossed the line with a try from number 8, Tony Reynolds. Another straightforward conversion from Ben Snook put the scores at 0–10. Frome replied with a couple of tries and edged into the lead at 12–10. Winning all of their lineouts and most of those of the opposition still gave Cary the sense of belief that had been lacking in previous fixtures. A well strung together move from one of these saw the Cary three-quarters put Gary Reynolds in the corner for a try just before half-time. This put the scoreline at 12–15.

In the second half, scrappy play and a few off-the-ball incidents saw Frome score another converted try to put the scores at 19–15. This was followed up by a penalty in front of the posts that meant Cary needed a converted try to level the game. This looked possible when another excellent lineout just outside the Frome 22 saw a well-worked catch and drive. Rumbling towards the Frome line it looked as though the pack were unstoppable, and the ball was placed down on the line but unfortunately was deemed to be held up. Cary were still not giving up but were unable to cross a well-defended line and saw a final score of 22–15.

No man of the match was awarded, due to there being so much outstanding play. However, this did not stop a few celebration drinks for birthday boy, George Dampier, and match virgin, Matthew Pullen. Team captain, Jon Belcher, said, "I would like to personally thank all those that turned up especially those from the 1st team — without them we would have had to cancel this fixture due to a lack of players."

by Rosie Meek

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