FROME SECONDS 22 PUDDLETOWN 0

PUDDLETOWN’S winning run in Dorset & Wilts Two South has finally come to an end.

Despite another spirited performance, the Villagers had to give way to a strong and well-drilled Frome second string, determined to continue their push for promotion as league runners-up.

The heavy rain of the previous 48 hours meant that the Gipsy Lane pitch was only just playable and it was clear after the first few minutes that this was a game destined to be fought out largely between the forwards.

It quickly became apparent too that while this promised an evenly-matched contest in broken play, the heavier home pack would enjoy a significant advantage in the set scrums.

And it was this difference that ultimately decided the match, with the Frome eight repeatedly disrupting Puddletown’s put-in and so preventing them getting much usable ball.

On their own scrums they were able to maintain control to the extent that all four of their tries were run in as a direct result of winning their own set-pieces.

The contest was never as one-sided as the scoreline might suggest though and the Villagers were always quick to counter-attack, enjoying periods of dominance throughout the game.

However, despite repeatedly coming close, they never quite found the final move that would get them across the whitewash.

After the match, Puddletown’s Toby Musgrove summed up the performance: “That was a disappointing result, but fair play to Frome, they were very strong and the treacherous conditions allowed them to exploit their large pack, putting us under pressure for the whole game.

“Nevertheless we worked hard, countered well, and enjoyed plenty of possession of our own.

“It’s just a shame we couldn’t capitalise on that and put some points on the scoreboard.

“However, a third-place finish is still up for grabs, and we will take what we can out of Saturday’s game into our final two fixtures.

“What could be more exciting than a home derby against Dorchester Seconds in a fortnight’s time, followed by the chance, a week later, to be the first side this season to beat champions East Dorset.”

Dorset Piddle Brewery Man of the Match: Giles Trowbridge.