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Saturday's
match was another crucial league game for Ross. A victory
and a Dursley win at Kingswood would see them promoted in
consecutive seasons and see them playing Division 1 Rugby
next season.
The
opening twenty minutes was a nervous affair for Ross. Cheltenham
showed they had come to play rugby by running penalties
and testing the Ross defence at every opportunity. However,
they lacked a cutting edge and a well organized and committed
Ross defence snuffed out every attack quickly and efficiently.
When they had the ball, Ross seemed burdened by expectation.
They allowed Cheltenham to slow their ball and when they
did get quick ball, there was either a knock on or poor
decision making, so as the game entered the second quarter
it was still 0-0.
With
Cheltenham's spirited start coming to nothing, the Ross
pack began to show some belief as they entered the second
quarter and from a solid scrum, Ross opened the scoring.
The Ross pack delivered quality ball to scrum half, Simon
Gwynne who fed Chay Brine his half back partner, two dummy
scissors with his centres, Huw Bellamy and Adam Clements
who held the midfield defence. Chay popped the ball to fullback
Andy Hunt, who glided through the gap to score. Ross were
now visibly buoyed by the score and the forwards began to
deliver some quality go forward ball. With the half drawing
to a close, Ross added another score. This was a true team
score, starting way back in the Ross half. After some close
quarter driving play from Wayne Williams and Matt Redman
had put Cheltenham on the back foot, Tim Hanks broke from
the base of the ruck. He
fed Gavin Oates, who popped the ball to Mike Davies, who
broke through the last tackler and galloped in from 40 metres.
Alistair Rees converted and Ross went into the break 12-0
up.
Cheltenham, to their credit refused to lie down and started
the second half the brighter, again putting Ross under pressure.
However, the defence held and as the half progressed, Ross
dominated once again and the next score duly arrived. Matt
Jones secured quality ball from the lineout and set up a
drive. Ashley Nelms broke from the back and drove the ball
into midfield; Ross secured quick ball and quick hands from
Wayne Bishop sent Andy Hunt in for his second try. He converted
his score to give Ross a 19-0 lead. Ross were now in control
and soon after, they scored their fourth try. After Dave
Mince had secured turnover ball, Simon Gwynne moved the
ball quickly left to Chay Brine. Finding himself in space,
he put his foot on the gas, rounding the Cheltenham defence
to score. Simon Gwynne converted giving Ross a comfortable
26-0 victory.
Ross's
final league game is against Tetbury on Wednesday 18th April
at Ross Sports ground. Kick off is at 6.15pm.
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