BackSat 25 Oct 2025
Frome Vets
The “Elite”
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38
Roving Reporter Rhys Van Den Handel Focuses on the Elite
Steve Bird26 Oct - 12:17
With no league matches, Avon’s focus shifted to a Veterans game at Frome between their “Cavalry” team and the Avon “Elite”
This resulted in a spirited contest that delivered some pace, a bit of power, and plenty of drama to demonstrate the spirit of local rugby camaraderie.
From the kick off, Avon demonstrated their attacking intent with a threatening open-side attack that was only halted by a knock-on. Then Jake Coates lit up the field with a dazzling 30-metre solo run to open the scoring. Paul Bates slotted the extras with ease.
The visitors continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Mark Kelly and their forward pack punching holes in the defence. Their efforts culminated in Andy Mead selling an outrageous dummy before dotting down under the posts for Avon’s second. Bates was again on target, making it 14–0.
Frome responded with renewed energy, enjoying a purple patch of possession. However, Ed Higgins produced a try-saving tackle to deny a near-certain score. Eventually though, Frome broke through the defensive wall to notch a deserved converted try, narrowing the gap. But Avon’s pack roared back, driving a powerful 5-metre scrum that allowed Gary Oblin to touch down once more, sending the visitors into halftime with a 21–7 lead.
The second half began with a bang. Lister Metcalfe stole possession near halfway, setting up C. Smith to blaze down the right wing. Captain Ben Hurd finished the move with a clinical score near the touchline. Avon then struck again straight from the restart, Coates strolling in for his second try, barely touched.
With injuries and age hampering the Elite’s momentum, Frome continued to show grit and determination. Their number 5 led the charge with some barnstorming carries, earning a well-deserved converted try. The following ten minutes descended into a chaotic mix of chips, crunching tackles, and handling errors, with neither side able to add to the scoreboard.
Eventually, Frome Cavalry broke the deadlock, spreading the ball wide to score in the corner to again close the gap. But Avon had the final say - Jake Coates completing his hat-trick in style, with Jackman adding the final conversion to seal a 38–17 victory for the visiting Elite side.
The match was played in excellent spirit and well refereed by Frome stalwart Roger Gilson, leaving the Avon Elite to look forward to welcoming Frome Vets back to Hicks Field for another thrilling encounter later in the season.
From the kick off, Avon demonstrated their attacking intent with a threatening open-side attack that was only halted by a knock-on. Then Jake Coates lit up the field with a dazzling 30-metre solo run to open the scoring. Paul Bates slotted the extras with ease.
The visitors continued to dominate the opening exchanges, with Mark Kelly and their forward pack punching holes in the defence. Their efforts culminated in Andy Mead selling an outrageous dummy before dotting down under the posts for Avon’s second. Bates was again on target, making it 14–0.
Frome responded with renewed energy, enjoying a purple patch of possession. However, Ed Higgins produced a try-saving tackle to deny a near-certain score. Eventually though, Frome broke through the defensive wall to notch a deserved converted try, narrowing the gap. But Avon’s pack roared back, driving a powerful 5-metre scrum that allowed Gary Oblin to touch down once more, sending the visitors into halftime with a 21–7 lead.
The second half began with a bang. Lister Metcalfe stole possession near halfway, setting up C. Smith to blaze down the right wing. Captain Ben Hurd finished the move with a clinical score near the touchline. Avon then struck again straight from the restart, Coates strolling in for his second try, barely touched.
With injuries and age hampering the Elite’s momentum, Frome continued to show grit and determination. Their number 5 led the charge with some barnstorming carries, earning a well-deserved converted try. The following ten minutes descended into a chaotic mix of chips, crunching tackles, and handling errors, with neither side able to add to the scoreboard.
Eventually, Frome Cavalry broke the deadlock, spreading the ball wide to score in the corner to again close the gap. But Avon had the final say - Jake Coates completing his hat-trick in style, with Jackman adding the final conversion to seal a 38–17 victory for the visiting Elite side.
The match was played in excellent spirit and well refereed by Frome stalwart Roger Gilson, leaving the Avon Elite to look forward to welcoming Frome Vets back to Hicks Field for another thrilling encounter later in the season.
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