After an enforced five week break due to the bad weather, Ross-on-Wye were back in action on Saturday away to table toppers, Old Colstonians. The disruption to playing and training took it’s toll as a fitful performance saw Old Colstonians run out winners by 25 points to 7.

It was the home side that looked the more cohesive from the outset and they dominated possession and territory throughout the first half. Ross, as ever, tackled ferociously and were well organized in defence. However, with the amount of possession Colstonians enjoyed there was no way Ross could keep them out for forty minutes and an early penalty and two late first half tries saw them go in 15 to 0 at half time.

Another penalty early in the second half pushed the Colstonians 18-0 ahead and it was only then that Ross began to develop some momentum. With Gavin Oates, Ashley Nelms and Tara Barnett punching holes in the Colstonians defence, Ross began to enjoy quality possession and territory. However, the rustiness in their play prevented them getting that early score to put Colstonians under pressure. As the game entered the final quarter, Ross finally got on the score sheet.

Wayne Williams found his jumper Matt Jones at the lineout and the Ross pack set up the driving maul. Scrum half then fed Gareth Holdsworth, who delivered a delicate grubber kick behind the Colstonians defence. In the act of scoring, Luke Gray was tackled off the ball under the posts and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty try. Chay Brine converted and Ross were 18-7 behind. However, this was too little too late and in the dying minutes, Colstonians added another converted try to win by 25-7.

The Walford timber man of the match was Ashley Nelmes for his strong ball carrying from the base of the scrum.

Next Saturday, 23rd January Ross are at home to Old Richians at Wilton Road Sports Ground, so come down and support your town team.