FROME 39
WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 5
WEYMOUTH & Portland reflected on a costly opening 20 minutes of their 39-5 loss to Frome as the Somerset side scored freely in their Counties One Tribute Southern South meeting.
After a poignant two-minute silence involving all three Frome teams and their opponents, in respect to the fallen on Armistice Day, the Seahorses quickly found themselves in trouble.
Rich Bament’s men were 25-0 down at half-time and never recovered as Frome scrum-half Zach Bartlett caused all sorts of problems with his sniping skills.
Henry Bull kicked an early penalty and Bartlett was involved in a slick move for the opening try, scored by Bull’s fellow winger Simon Finch.
READ MORE: Weymouth & Portland 10-20 Walcot - report
Ali Frost wasted no time in scoring a second try under the posts, finishing a clever routine, with Bull converting for 15-0.
Sam Bartlett and brother Zach then scored one try apiece to quickly cement the bonus point as Weymouth & Portland could not budge the home defence.
They coped far more strongly with Frome’s attack in the second half but, after breaching their opponents’ 22, they conceded an interception as Sam Bartlett sprinted 70 metres for 32-0.
The Seahorses’ pack continued to test the Frome rearguard and finally got their reward when Ben Davies charged over the whitewash for the visitors’ only score.
With five minutes still remaining, Frome utilised well the time left over with the tricky Zach Bartlett’s crossfield kick picking out Finch for his brace of tries.
Speaking to Echosport, Bament said: “I don’t think we helped ourselves. We were very slow out of the blocks and before we knew it they were 25-0 up.
“We tightened up and gave a better account of ourselves but the first 20 minutes is what killed us. Normally we’re quite good starters."
Weymouth & Portland now turn their attentions to a home game against struggling Yeovil, who have conceded 480 points in nine matches.
Bament added: “They’ve got a whole new coaching setup there. You could say it’s a local derby and they seem to be having a tough time of it.
“We’re at home and hopefully we’ll pick up where we left off against Walcot and carrying on from the last 40 against Frome.
“It would be nice to give the supporters something to cheer about and the players deserve it, it’s just about getting over the finishing line.”
Tim Comben (bicep) and Luke Beynon (collar bone) remain long-term casualties but Joe Gibson (hand) is nearing a return.
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