Frampton Cotterell 25 St Mary’s 50

A cold start to the morning as Frampton headed to Hooper’s to welcome today’s visitors, a combined St Mary’s and Chipping Sodbury team. After a very competitive game before Christmas at Chipping Sodbury’s home ground spirits were high for a similar game and the two teams did not disappoint.

Fram attacked from the kick off but after a good run by Nik SMOBs broke away for an early score. At the other end Jamie found some space and it seemed a certain try but somehow he was kept out and again after a quick breakaway the away side had doubled their lead. Shortly after following a good passing move by SMOB the quick winger ran clear and the away team had a commanding 15-0 lead. The Fram boys fought back though and a good run by Matt whose pass found Rohan and he cut inside but was held up inches from the line, fortunately Ollie was on hand and his quick thinking and outstretched hand was enough for the score. Fram’s heads were up and when Matt got possession of the ball in the midfield there seemed little on but his quick jinking run baffled the defence beating half a dozen players for an excellent try. It was end of end stuff and this time SMOB came back with their speedy winger getting another try. Fram were having great pressure but could not break through the St Mary’s line. As the half came to an end St Mary’s added a further two tries to the scoreline as their quick counter attacking game was too quick for the Frampton defence. Jack’s great last ditch tackle saved a further score as the half ended.

Despite the scoreline Fram were determined to give their all and from the kick off Matt’s run found Rohan and his pass to Finn found the corner for a try. Fram pushed forward again and when Jamie stole the ball he ran downfield and when his pass found Finn, along the line to Rohan and finally to Nik, he dived over for the try. The boy’s tails were up and it was Nik again with the break but a great tackle just short of the line prevented the score. It was all Fram and Nik again broke away but again was held up short, this time there was support from Ollie and he picked up for his second try of the game, it was getting close at 25-30. A good run by Roy with support by Lewis and Mike pushed Fram forward again. The boys had put in a huge amount of effort, especially in the second half and with the temperature dropping the away side capitalised when following a penalty and several missed tackles a try was scored. Despite some great defensive play by Marcus, Gabe and Rudy two further tries followed for the visitors as the very entertaining game came to an end and it was back to the Crossbow for a warm up !

A great game today and the both teams should be proud of the effort and good spirit the game was played. Despite the freezing weather both teams gave their all and some great rugby resulted.