RFC notched up their second win on the road on consecutive weekends to pull further away from the relegation zone in the Gloucester Premier and almost guaranteed their involvement in this league next season.

It was another physical performance up front that did the damage, with the Ross pack far more aggressive in the tackle and at the breakdown. This disrupted Saracens and it was from this constant pressure that Ross were able to convert two penalties by scrum half James Hughes to lead 6-3 at half time. At this level though, you cannot take your foot off the pedal, especially away from home. Ross did early in the second half, however and as a result conceded two early tries which put Saracens 13-6 ahead midway through the second half.

With the slope in their favour it looked as if Saracens would run away with an easy victory. However it was once again the Ross pack that dug in and through clarity of purpose began to impose themselves on the Saracens eight. It was from this physicality that Saracens spilled the ball in midfield. Huw Bellamy quickly gathered possession and some quick hands by the Ross backs sent Winger Casey Morgan clear. He outpaced the covering defence to score in the top right hand corner, which put Ross 13-11 behind.

The last quarter of the game belonged to Ross, who continued to win the physical battle. James Hughes added another penalty to put Ross 14-13 ahead, then Casey Morgan added his second try. After another turnover in midfield was pounced upon by loose head prop Tara Barnett, who decided with 60 metres to run, it was best to leave Winger Casey Morgan do all the running, which he did by again outpacing his Winger to score in the corner. Saracens rallied in the dying minutes but the Ross defence held firm to register their seventh win of the season.

The Walford timber man of the match was Captain, Gavin Oates for another tireless display in defence.

Ross are home next Saturday, 13th March against the Old Richians. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Rowing Club members teamed up on Saturday to attempt to complete a total of a million metres or 621 Miles, which is exactly the same distance as Ross-on- Wye is from John O' Groats!

The challenge started at 8am, using 10 ergos, with a target of finishing by 6pm. That meant keeping up an average of 100,000 metres every hour. The support in the club was amazing, with over 70 members taking part in 157 separate 'paddles' ranging from 500 metres up to 26,000 on one pull. The commitment and support from the groups was simply fantastic.

Club President, Jonathon Preece commented, 'It was a brilliant club day in which all members could contribute equally. The 'espirit de core,' especially as the target was approached was wonderful.' Tim Crossman, Club Vice Chairman added, 'This Club event was a terrific way to generate enthusiasm and support for the club, with members raising over £2000 in sponsorship for their efforts.'

The team completed their challenge at 6.10pm whch was just 10 minutes over their target, but many members completed huge totals over the day; notably Mike Phillips with 55,000m and Johan Lai (J14) completing over 41,000. It was an impressive effort from all the team and each contribution was just as important from each member.

Megan and Kerry win medals at Cornish indoor championships

Junior Academy rower Megan Jephcote, (WJ12), struck gold again in the Cornish Indoor championships, completing a personal best of 508 metres in her two minute row. Kerry Meek, (WJ14), also completed her 4 minute row with a personal best of 1140 metres, earning herself a bronze medal.

Many thanks to Dad, Graham for supplying the transport to Cornwall.

Ross 2nd XV continued their impressive form last week with a comprehensive 45 points to 5 victory over Old Halesowens.

The glut of tries started in the 5th minute, when a good run by Jack Taylor set up Tim Chainey, beating 2 defenders to touch down for a try which was converted by Craig Powell. Ten minutes later, back row Paul Hayward was on hand for Ross's 2nd try. This time the conversion was missed to give Ross a 12 nil lead. The home side's forwards were working hard by holding a much bigger Halesowen pack and strong running by no. 8 Tim Hanks, hooker, Tony Clements and prop, Rob Jode, kept Ross on the the forward foot and producing fine ball for the backs to attack. Ross kept the pressure on, with a powerful run by Stuart Veale, resulting in Ross's third try. The conversion was added by Powell to take the score to 19-nil.

Still running at every opportunity, next to score with a fine solo try was Jack Taylor, quickly followed by a Karl Pritchard try, both of which were converted by Powell. Ross were now in control of all aspects of play and it was only a matter of time before the fleet footed Jack Taylor added his 2nd with a fine solo run to score under the posts for a converted try.

Halesowen scored their only points of the game when the 2nd row burst through some poor tackling to score a try in the corner. Ross responded to this minor setback in fine style. Winning back the restart, the ball moved through the backs to find Chainey in space. With a jinking run he crossed the line for the last try of the match. This was converted again by Powell to end a fine display by Ross.

Ross 2nds would like to thank Saturdays match sponsors, Techniplumb Heating Services. The Man of the Match went to the whole Ross squad for an outstanding display.

Next week Ross travel to Luctonians.

The Ross Squad were Gage, Harris, Chainey, Gwynne, Taylor, Pritchard, Powell, Hanks, Hayward, Veale, McCauley, Lawrence, Jode, Clements, Williams, Stevens, Kay, Hutton, Russell and Smith.

Cardiff Outdoor Group are introducing a new route for this year's South Wales Three Peaks Trial Challenge Walk which is to take place on Saturday, 27th March 2010. Over the last 47 years about 500 walkers from all over the UK have taken part in this challenge walk in the Brecon Beacons, with ages ranging from teenagers to pensioners. It's a fun day out!

The Platinum Route is 17 Miles, 5000' Ascent and starts in Llanthony, before conquering Bal Mawr, Pen Cerrig Calch and Sugar Loaf.
The Gold Route is 20 Miles, 5000' Ascent, starting with the challenging North face of Blorenge, before moving on to Sugar Loaf and Skirrid.
The Silver Route is 15 Miles, 4000' Ascent with only two peaks which are Blorenge and Sugar Loaf.
The Bronze Route is a circular walk of about 10 miles and 2000' Ascent. The route goes from Abergavenny to Sugar Loaf, then descends by a different path.

The routes are never far from civilization, however they are physically demanding and require good navigation skills. Further information is available on http://www.threepeakstrial.co.uk

This year, proceeds from the event, the 48th Three Peaks Trial will be split between the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team and the Elenydd Wilderness Trust to help maintain Ty'n Cornel & Dolgoch Youth Hostels. A donation for footpath maintenance will also be made to the National Trust, who are owners of Sugar Loaf and Skirrid Fawr.