Ross’ progress in the league is being helped and hindered at the same time. The last two league games have seen Ross’ opposition fail to show, then, three weeks later seeing the opposition cancel. The match against the later team’s replacement was abandoned at the agreement of both teams following an injury to a member of the opposition requiring an ambulance. Due to the friendly nature of the fixture each team took into consideration their up and coming league games deciding to save their players for upcoming fixtures. This has given Ross easy points on each occasion but hinders the very healthy score lines Ross have been running in against their league opponents. The in between weeks provided friendly fixtures and two good wins with Ross beating Upton on Severn 34-0, and Malvern 24-9.

The last month also saw a Ross second team running out against Westbury Seconds. A surge in club membership and players looking to play at the club on a more informal basis means this was a well supported first run out for the seconds this season. Anyone approaching the club wanting to play second team rugby can do so post match through the Drop Inn or on Tuesday or Thursday night at training which is held at 6.30 pm ending at around 8 pm at the sports centre off Wilton Road. Continued interest will mean further games. As Ross expands consideration is also being given to a junior section. Those wanting to support or who would like to share their experience or enthusiasm for a junior section should contact the club at the above locations.

Several noteworthy events are heading the clubs way. The Christmas draw is taking place Monday 19th December at the Drop Inn at 7.30pm. There are limited opportunities to get draw tickets, but there will be an opportunity to get the last few on the night if you’re early.

The traditional Ross Over’s and Under’s Boxing day match will be going ahead with many of the youngsters being considerably younger than the older members who used to be younger not withstanding the older age limit for the game has become younger following an increase in the amount of younger players in the older age group. It will become apparent at midday Boxing Day at the sports centre off Wilton Road. Drinks during and then afterwards at the Drop Inn. This event will also be heralding the announcement of this year’s tour.

DFAM 06.12.05

What can I say. I love that last paragraph!
Ed.

Glos Division 3 League Match Tredworth 0 Ross on Wye 28.

This table top clash was a true four pointer, with Tredworth second in the league, this was their opportunity to close the gap on table topping Ross. Tredworths Lannetts Lane ground with a verbose home crowd is always an intimidating place to play, yet a superb display from every member of the Ross squad sniffed out every Tredworth attack and pulled away in the second half to register a convincing 28-0 victory.

The tone of the match was set from the kick off as Tim Hanks, Dave Mince and Gavin Oates crashed straight into the Tredworth receiver,and from there on an intense forward battle ensued as Tredworth buoyed on by the home crowd threw everything at the Ross defence. However, as they have all season a combination of organization and some strong tackling with Mike Davis, Craig Creed and Gavin Oates ensured that Tredworth did not threaten Ross's line.

As the first half progressed Ross began to assert some authority up front with some strong scrummaging from Tara Barnett, Tony Clements and Matt Redman which began to release Ross's dangerous back line. Some elusive running from Dan Weston and Alistair Rees put Tredworth on the back foot. Simon Gwynne moved the ball quickly to Andy Hunt who found Adam Clements out wide. He slipped the ball inside to Alistair Rees who broke the last line of defence to score, giving Ross a 5-0 lead.

Ross continued to win quality ball and were now moving the ball effortlessly between forwards and backs. A strong run from Mike Davies saw him surge into the Tredworth 22 and as he was tackled he offloaded to Wayne Bishop who ran in Ross's second try, giving Ross a 10-0 lead.

Tredworths defence was getting ever more desperate in the last 10 minutes of the first half, which resulted in two successful penalty attempts giving a half-time score of 16-0.

Refusing to accept defeat, Tredworth raised their game in the second half. However Ross's defence continued to hold firm with some strong tackling from Kevan Healy, Andy Hunt and Tim Hanks and as a result gaps began to appear in the Tredworth defence, some excellent running from Adam Clements, Matt Taylor and Dan Weston nearly brought a third try. However Tredworths defence just hung on. By now though, Flos Morgan and Gavin Oates were winning a lot of ball on the floor and with only 10 minutes remaining, Tim Hanks broke from a ruck and made a surging run into the Tredwoth 22. He fed TC Leach, who fended off a tackle to score giving Ross a healthy 21-0 lead.

With only minutes remaining TC gathered a loose kick, 40 yards out. He ran hard at the defence, bouncing two tacklers off before scoring under the posts. Alistair Rees converted making the final score 28-0.

With seven league matches completed, Ross sit top of the league unbeaten, with only 14 points conceded in the league all season. Ross's next fixture is on Sat 17th at Ross Sports Ground kick off 2.30pm against Old Cryptians.