Old Elizabethans 1st XV v Frampton Cotterell 1st XV
4th October 2025

Round 3 of this season’s campaign welcomed Frampton Cotterell RFC to Fortress Hallen.

A sunny day but with a strong wind blowing towards the clubhouse.

1st XV SQUAD: 1. Fergus Blyth 2. James Brooke 3. Conor McGrath 4. Tom Bendall 5. Matthew Bailey 6. George Burnie 7. Jakob Harding 8. Herbie Gale 9. Sam Hygare 10. Monty Nash 11. Arthur Mills 12. Alex Potts 13. Sam Brewer 14. Pat Dore © 15. Freddie Williams 16. Andy Adams 17. Ollie Lunt 18. Tom Scott-Demster

Conor had to withdraw just before kick-off, so Andy Adams would start.

MATCH REPORT:
Es kicked off towards the clubhouse with the wind behind them. Gathered by Frampton and bundled into touch by Tom Bendall who was then taken out by the Frampton second row. A scuffle broke out and both Bendall and the Frampton number 5 were shown yellow, the referee putting down an early marker. Approaching the touchline, Bendall was interviewed by the spectators and responded with he hit me, so I hit him! Early exchanges were even with both sides making very few inroads into their opponents' 22.

Frampton then turned the ball over midfield and quickly spread the ball to their right wing, who showed a clean pair of heels to go under the posts from the 10-yard line. (0-7).

Es press from the restart and push Frampton back to a goal line drop out, charged down by Es, who then earn a penalty after Frampton killed the ball. Sam Hygate with the points. (3-7).

Despite 2 turnovers midfield by Bailey, Frampton throw a long pass finding their full back in the line, who evaded 3 tackles to go over. (3-14).

From the next scrum, the Frampton fly half seemed to freeze midfield, before waltzing through a gap in the middle of the forwards, supported by his 2nd row who then found his right wing on the left, who went over. (3-21).

Half Time score (Old Elizabethans 3 – 21 Frampton Cotterell).

Frampton start the half with the wind behind them. Es then failed to find touch (into the wind) from a penalty and Frampton return the kick with interest, bouncing wickedly into the arms of the Frampton chase, for a try in the corner. (3-26).

Es begin to chase the game and Frampton are obliging by giving away a string of penalties. Opting to tap and go every time, eventually turned over for Frampton to breakout from halfway to score. (3-33).

Not giving up, Es continue to play quick ball from every infringement. Then up stepped Frampton’s ever obliging/offending number 5 with a high tackle to earn himself a second yellow and therefore, a red. The attack continued, with most players getting a touch before the forwards made use of the man advantage for Fergus to go over from close range. (10-33).

There was time for one more score from Frampton. (10-40).

Overall, a tough day at the office, against a well drilled, physical outfit.

Next week, Cinderford IIs away

FINAL SCORE: Old Elizabethans 10 – 40 Frampton Cotterell

SCORERS:
Tries: Fergus Blyth
Conversions: Sam Highgate (1)
Penalties: Sam Highgate (1)

Full League Table and Fixture List below

Report by: David 'Morgs' Morgan

CLICK for the Old Elizabethans RFC website