The start of the year has seen Ross maintain steady progress in their bid to dominate the league. This period has also seen some of the reoccurring difficulties that Ross experienced in the first half of the season. Ross is attracting an ever increasing number of players keen for a run out on a Saturday. It has also however experienced opposition pulling out of fixtures at the 11th hour. This is frustrating for Ross who and are keen to play a fixture each week, whether League, Cup or Friendly. It would seem that while Ross increases its momentum some of the clubs around them are running out of theirs.

The number of players involved with the club has meant that the second team has now had a number of fixtures and are respectfully holding their own on an ever increasingly regular basis. They have experienced success during their initial three games. Three games played and three games won. Totalling 80 points in Ross' favour and 20 points conceded.

Ross first team has also experienced success during their first league game of the year beating Gloucester Civil service 10 - 6. This maintains their position at the top of the League table.

This years Tour has been announced and will be to Nottingham on the weekend 5th - 7th May. A core of players has taken their places waiting the inevitable surprises that Nottingham and the tour organizers have in store. There are only a few places remaining and those affiliated to or who are in regular contact with the club may be able to bag a place if they get in quick. Usual contact can be made with the club at Training. This commences on Tuesday and Thursday night at 6:30 pm ending at around 8 pm at the sports centre off Wilton Road. Further more those wishing to support the club either as a player, supporter or just with passing interest are invited to contact the club at these times or post match on a Saturday afternoon in the Drop Inn.

A fund-raising night in respect to the up and coming tour and end of season dinner was held 18th February seeing a modest attendance but with all involved fully entering into the spirit of competition.

It only remains for me to thank contributors to the night in support of Ross RFC, namely; Express Windows, Coleford, Wye Commercials, Wye Garden Services, Neat and Cheap, Techniplumb, heating and plumbing services, Charlie's Bar, Paul Hayley and Nana Gwynne.

DFAM 04.01.06

Ross 2nds pushed Berry Hill all the way on Saturday, 25th February. With a blend off youth and experience, Ross 2nds took on an experienced Berry Hill side, and on a cold and windy day just came up short losing 29-22.

Berry Hill elected to play with a strong wind and immediately took advantage of the elements. Kicking deep into the Ross 22, Owie James gathered and cleared to touch. However with a strong wind in his face was unable to gain yardage. With territorial advantage, the experienced Berry Hill pack began to get their tight game going, asking a lot from the Ross pack. Initially they stood firm, however with a strong drive up the middle, Berry Hill crossed to open the scoring,,giving them a 7-0 lead. With the wind continuing to gust strongly, Ross found it difficult to get out of their half. However when they did get quality possession, Gareth Holdsworth, Marcus Russell and Chay Brine looked dangerous as they ran intelligently into space and put pressure on the Berry Hill defence. These incursions into the Berry Hill half were a welcome relief for the Ross pack, who had to work hard defending with Chris Godwin, Nick Rawlings and Wayne Williams proving themselves strong in defence. However, with such territorial advantage Berry Hill added another try to take them 12-0 up after 30 minutes. Ross upped the tempo in the closing minutes of the half and Slim Sadler crashed over to score, making the score 12-5.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Ross were able to exert territorial control and began to deliver quality ball for the Ross backs. However some poor decision making meant that the Ross outside backs never got enough ball to test Berry Hill in defence. With both teams trading penalties, the score was 15-8 moving into the final quarter. With subs Matt Redman, Richard Russell, Matt Jones and Tim Hanks adding impetus to the Ross forward effort, gaps began to appear in the Berry Hill defence which Chay Brine exploited to score. Owie James converted making the score 15-15. Berry Hill added a penalty, however Ross continued to attack and Gareth Holdsworth finally scored. Owie James again converted, making the score 22-18 with 10 minutes remaining. Staring defeat in the face Berry Hill rallied and a couple of late scores robbed Ross of the victory. Ross 2nds next game will be a home fixture on Saturday March 4th.