Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

FROME TECHNICAL booked their place in the daCosta Cup final and a chance to win the rural double but only after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Clarendon College in their semi-final at the STETHS ground yesterday.

Frome's win effectively stopped an all-Clarendon final as Glenmuir grabbed the other spot after a 3-1 win on penalties over Titchfield at Brancourt after the two teams had battled to a 1-1 scoreline throughout regulation and extra-time.

It was the second time that Frome had spoilt the hopes of Clarendon, having beaten them on penalties in the Ben Francis final, also at the STETHS ground. The match itself was one for bragging rights following pronouncements that the two teams were arguably the best in the competition.

Admiration

The architect of Frome's win was O'Brien Woodbine, nicknamed 'Beckham'. His execution of a freekick a few yards from the half-line mark would have even earned the admiration of the real Beckham as it curled and dipped dangerously allowing the Clarendon keeper Andre Blake to fall backwards in an attempt to save it. His parried effort was only good enough for Frome captain Demar Howard to toe in successfully from four yards in the 27th minute.

Woodbine then treated the large Frome contingency to another of his long-range specials in the second half which could have killed off the contest but Anthony Campbell just couldn't get in a header with the goalkeeper beaten and an empty, yawning net.

Clarendon had their moments too, but their attacking players were always under pressure from a well-organised Frome defence.