Above: As part of the Herefordshire School Library Service Book Festival, children from Brampton Abbotts and Ashfield Park primary schools visited Ross Library on Monday 20th March to meet children's author, Shoo Rayner. In the photograph, Shoo Rayner and Anne Marie Dossett, Reader Development Librarian can be seen with the children.

Below: The recently installed Master of Ross-on-Wye Vitruvian Lodge, Cliff McCloskey, with the support of the members, has made the Acorns Children's Hospice his chosen charity for the year. The Brethren of the Lodge have so far donated over £1000 to this charity. In addition, the Masonic Grand Charity will continue to support both the Acorns and St Michael's Hospices from central sources on an annual basis. In the photo are Cliff McCloskey and Peter Farington, Fund Organizer for Vitruvian Lodge can be seen presenting a cheque to Fran Winterbourn, Community Fund-raiser for Acorns at the Chase Hotel on Monday 27th March.

Ross 2nds took a very youthful squad to Tredworth last Saturday and earned themselves a hard fought draw against a Tredworth XV, riding high in Glos 3.

With all but a couple of experienced campaigners under 22 years of age, the trip to Tredworth on paper looked very tough for such a young side, however they say youth knows no fear and that's how Ross played the game. They were unlucky in the end not to come away with what would have been a well deserved victory. They can however be proud of a hard earned draw.

Ross were the quickest to hit their straps with Sam Harris at scrum half sniping at the Tredworth defence from the off, quickly establishing a promising partnership with Chay Brine, his half back partner. With the Ross pack dominating possession early on, Sam and Chay were able to get the ball wide, which they did at every opportunity. Both wingers, Pete Smith and Jack Ancram looked pacey and dangerous when they got the ball and Tredworth's defence had to work hard to ensure Ross did not take an early lead.

However with home advantage and a vociferous crowd, Tredworth did get into the game. With their outside half and centre both possessing big boots they began to pin Ross back in their twenty two. Strong defence from Rob Jode, Gavin Oates and Ken Davies however, ensured Tredworth never really looked like scoring.

As the second half began the conditions worsened as the heavens opened, however Ross still looked to move the ball. Adam Clements and Hugh Bellamy in midfield were looking dangerous and Slim Sadler and Lee Lusty were carrying the ball hard into the Tredworth defence. The score remained at 0-0 however.

Moving into the final quarter Ross were now dominating territory, with Tim Hanks, Chris Godwin and Gavin Oates going close as the Ross forwards bombarded the Tredworth line. That elusive score would not come though and Tredworth cleared their lines,. With Ashley Nelms and Jack Windrige now rampant in the loose, Tredworth infringed 35 yards out. Chay Brine stepped up to take the penalty but it went agonizingly right of the upright and the score remained 0-0.

Ross threw everything at Tredworth during the last 10 minutes but they could not find that deciding score and the ref blew for full time with the score still at 0-0.

Even though victory eluded them, this was an excellent performance from a young Ross side and bodes well for the future.

Paul Haley

If you have a local news item or story of local interest which you would like to appear on Wyenot News you are very welcome to submit it by email, telephone or by post.

Please advise as early as possible if you would like me to photograph your local event so that I can put it in my diary. This service is offered strictly on a first come, first served basis as some days, especially during holiday weekends, can get extremely busy.

Contacting Wyenot News:

Email: please click here.

Telephone: 01989 763217

Postal address: Wyenot News, 1, Hillview Road, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. HR9 7EY

Although it is fine to submit if you are submitting an event taking place in a pub / shop / restaurant etc., please make sure that your story does have real news value and is not simply an advertisement for your business. It would be unfair to those who support Wyenot.com and Wyenot News by advertising to publish blatant advertisements disguised as editorial material.