Having received the unexpected news of Marlow defeat at Reading, Buckingham set off for Frome fielding a strong team to challenge for a 6th tier place.
Blustery but dry conditions met them as they arrived. Although the first scrum went to the visitors their dropped passes and off side penalties were to be the story of the first half with the home side capitalising on Buckinghams misdemeanours and moving steadily upfield into the danger zone. Kicking to the corner for the first try by No8 Mallon duly converted by no 4 Howard leaving the score at 7-0.
The next passage of play saw Buckingham penalised being adjudged to have not released the ball whilst bundling From into touch. The home sides resulting long kick taking them into the visitors 22. Another penalty slotted by Howard took the score to 10-0.
Some good passing by the Buckingham backs and an excellent run by Gillie followed, but frustratingly these attacks were thwarted by some good Frome defence. 25 minutes gone and Nagy came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a long carry handing off would be tacklers, but a final pass was adjudged forward giving advantage to Frome.
A superb trip tackle by Chalmers thwarted the marauding Frome flanker Smith and the first half ended 10-0.
Stiff resistance from Buckingham had kept the score within touching distance.
The second half saw the visitors playing with renewed passion sensing they rivals were tiring.
Nagy with the most exciting passage of play so far made a scything run off loading to Hulston who was excellent throughout, more slick passing followed leading to an infringement from the home side and Hulston slotted the penalty to take the score to 10-3.
Fresh legs arrived from the bench and Buckingham had the bit between their teeth for the final quarter.
Spreading the ball wide quick hands got the ball to Hulston who charged in from the right wing which he expertly converted from wide. 10-10
A nearly try followed by Temple but it was ruled a knock on and extra time began to look inevitable.
A succession of penalties followed for crossing offences by both sides from one Gillie slotted the kick 10-13 and the lead for the first time. A knock on by Frome and driving maul from the scrum allowed Barker to burrow his way over, the kick hitting the posts stayed out 10-18.
The final play saw Gillie make a tremendous break hauled down just short but Prime was on hand to score the try to take the final score to 10-23.
A great game played with passion by both sides in a great spirit and superb hospitality and sportsmanship from the hosts.
Man of the match Hulston
Frome men of the match props Blarney and Benstead

Buckingham now promoted to tier 6 South West 1 East

Match Report
Sally Hodges