Frampton started the sprightliest with good platforms created by the forwards. Strong runs from Bleakman and Adams penetrated the oppositions line allowing scrum half Craig ‘Smudger’ Smith to get clean ball out to the backs who sped the ball along the line. Frampton were soon rewarded for their efforts after great hands from Stanton and ‘Shandy’ put winger Murphy in the corner for the first try which was unconverted.

Cleve then upped their game and used the size of their forwards to work their way into Frampton’s half. Several driving mauls from the lineout saw them gradually working their way towards the Frampton line but excellent defence kept them at bay. Unfortunately, Frampton were penalised at the ruck but a missed penalty kept the game at 5 – 0. Frampton were further penalised and this time Cleve took advantage and brought the game to within 2 points. The game continued with some great rugby from both sides both in attack and defence. Great tackling from Edmundson and Josh Sheppard kept the score at 5 – 3 until a well worked attack in the centre saw Cleve cross the line for a converted try.

Frampton went off the boil slightly and just before half time, Cleve then used their forwards to good effect and after a strong scrum, they crossed the line for a second try.

Half time score – Cleve 15 Frampton 5.

With a Frampton prop leaving the field, the game then went uncontested and Rick Sheppard came into the forwards. Frampton stepped up their game and were spurred on with several runs from the backs with Poulton driving deep into Cleves defence. Fram then scored a second try after replacement scrum half Bohr whipped a ball out to centre Stanton who needed no second chance to use his pace and cross the line for a converted try.

The forwards continued to work hard, and with Bennett on for Bleakman, Fram continued to push into their opponents half. The visitors were unlucky to be penalised several times at the breakdowns with the home side felt to be holding on the floor. But with continued pressure and breaks from Bennett and Shandy, Fram forwards drove in phases towards the line until Sheppard crossed the line which was duly converted by James ‘dent’ Smith.
Fram held on to their lead to within minutes of the end. Fram soaked up continued pressure from the home side and huge tackles kept them out but an overlap 5 metres from the line saw Cleve go over for an unconverted try and the win.

Final score: Cleve 20 Frampton 19

A great effort from all with the backs especially in good form with an excellent display of pace and ball handling.