A scoreline of 47 points to nil suggests a good thumping. It cannot be argued that seven tries to nil is anything but a comprehensive defeat. However, these facts don’t tell the full story of the match. The reality was that for long periods of the game Frampton competed well and played some very good rugby but could not find a way through the home defence. Any Frampton errors were ruthlessly punished by Chosen Hill who were very clinical in taking each scoring opportunity which came their way.

Playing down the slope in the first half, the home side took the lead after five minutes with a converted try following their first visit to Frampton’s twenty two. From the restart Frampton pressed strongly in the home twenty two but couldn’t force a score. A penalty under the posts was turned down in favour of an attacking scrum, but this good field position came to nothing. Chosen Hill again broke downfield and set up camp on the Frampton line. Frampton defended well, but were hampered when Zak Smith was rather harshly sent to the sin bin for side entry to a ruck. Chosen Hill chose to scrum, and with their numerical advantage, scored from the set piece. With Frampton still down to fourteen men, the home side scored a third try following a well executed planned move. Chosen Hill went on to secure the try scoring bonus point before half time. They had scored four tries in five visits to the Frampton twenty two.

Frampton were now playing down the slope in the second period. They were up against it, but refused to buckle and played some good rugby in the opposition half. Unfortunately, on two occasions with Frampton looking dangerous, possession was turned over and Chosen Hill scored two tries from 75 metres to completely take the match away from Frampton. The home side scored a further seventh try to complete the scoring.

Prop Ali Scott was outstanding for Frampton. He scrummaged strongly; he was to the fore with the ball in hand and was equally strong in defence. He was deservedly nominated as Frampton’s man of the match.

This was a difficult day at the office for the young Frampton side. Chosen Hill have recruited strongly following their relegation last season, and look destined to go straight back up. They are well coached and play a direct, but attractive, style of rugby. They did spend most of the afternoon offside when they didn’t have the ball, which in turn took away time and space for the Frampton team. But if you can get away with it, why wouldn’t you do it? It will take a very good side to defeat Chosen Hill this season. Frampton need to put this result behind them, learn from the experience, and go again next weekend at home to Widden Old Boys. Many thanks, as ever, to the travelling faithful who made the journey to Churchdown on Saturday.

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