After registering four wins in the last five games Ross were confident they could push promotion seeking Richians all the way last Saturday. However, in the spring sunshine, Ross let the Richians take what was to be a decisive early lead and two late tries were not enough to rein them in,and they finally fell short 18 points to 28.

Both teams looked nervy early on, with players failing to hold on to the ball. Mistakes came thick and fast and it was the Richians who were the first to take advantage. After securing their own scrum ball, they moved the ball quickly across the back line and their winger squeezed in the corner to open the scoring, putting them 5-0 ahead. Unfortunately the errors continued and both kickers exchanged penalties giving Richians a 11-6 lead with half time looming.

Finally Ross began to put together some meaningful phases. After some strong ball carrying from Ashley Nelms and Gavin Oates had opened up the defence, No. 8, Adam Clements scooped up the ball from the back of a ruck and galloped, unchallenged, the twenty five metres to the try line. However, in the process of touching down behind the posts, the referee blew his whistle as a few players were indulging in some 'handbags,' a consequence of which meant Ross were robbed of seven points and subsequently went in 11-6 down rather than 13-11 ahead.

At 11-6 Ross were firmly in the game and a strong start to the second half was crucial. However, within three minutes the Richians had added another converted try and on the sixty minute mark killed the game off with another score. Ross did rally in the final quarter with the forwards in particular working hard and both Wayne Williams and Tim Hanks were able to profit by scoring a try a piece. However, there was enough daylight on the scoreboard and the Richians were able to hold on, winning 28-18.

The Audreys Fish Bar Man of the match was Adam Clements.

Ross are at home again on Saturday, 20th March against Cirencester.

In the recent under 11s Herefordshire Football league fixture, Ross under 11s Rattlesnakes earned their first league victory against the Greyhound Rangers and did so in impressive style.

Having moved up to the under 11 league, the young Ross side have found that there is no such thing as an easy game. Despite hard training and some excellent performances in some close fought encounters, little has gone their way until the performance of the season in front of their committed home support, Ross Rattlesnakes showed, what we all knew they could do, and demolished the opposition in style.

With creditable performances from the whole squad, rolling substitutions allowed all the player to play their part. In defence, tight marking and relentless tackling by Ethan, Lizzie and Connor never looked like letting the opposition get past them and Sam ensured no long balls got past his well timed headers. Brandon put on his weekly acrobatic display of fine goal keeping, while in midfield, Josh, Troy, Rory, Scott and Lewis battled hard and kept an endless supply of passes going to feed the strikers.

The stars of the show were the experienced striking duo of Thai and Bradley, whose endless work was rewarded with two goals each, the icing on the cake being the killer goal from Josh.

The final score was 5 : 1 to Ross. This convincing display will hopefully boost the Rattlesnakes confidence, leading to more well earned wins.

Ross United U 13’s made the long trip to Kington on a bright Sunday morning.

Ross started the game as the better side with an early Ralph cross giving the chance for Callum who shot just wide. The game started to open up with both sides having their fair share of possession but the deadlock was broken after a free-kick from Dan was cleared out of the box, only to drop to Harry who hit the ball on the volley from 30 yards to score.

The industrious midfield of Josh, Daniel L, Jake, Harry and Robbie all kept Kington at arms length and a deserved second goal came in the 26th minute when an excellent through ball from Josh found Callum, who finished with precision to make it 2-0. A few minutes later Jake laid a ball back to Dan with a shot that went just over from 25 yards. Ross contained Kington until half-time with the sides going in at 2-0 to the visitors.

Kington playing downhill in the second half started to dominate the match on a big uneven pitch. Ross, who only had 11 players for this match, then suffered injuries to Callum and Jake, both of which bravely continued on. The defence of Dan, Ralph and Ollie were put under immense pressure from Kington and this was complimented by excellent midfield support , especially from Harry who was playing just in front of the back three and Josh who was starting to play more as a right back. Liam continued tirelessly up front to be the outlet, and did an excellent job to keep hold of the ball when possible. A point blank save from Kieran, a clearance off the line from Ollie and some good all round teamwork meant that Ross kept their third clean sheet running to win the match 2-0.

The Manager and Coaches praised all 11 players for their exceptional hard work in winning the match against a very good Kington team. Ross United Team were Kieran, Ralph, Dan, Ollie, Dan L, Josh, Jake, Robbie, Liam, Harry and Callum.

Prospective Conservative MP Jesse Norman has given an enthusiastic welcome to news that a planning application by Hereford United for the new Blackfriars Stand has been submitted to Herefordshire Council.

The Bulls have indicated that if all goes to schedule, planning consent will take no longer than eight weeks, during which the club will invite tenders from potential developers. Construction of the stand is expected to take six months at most.

Commenting on the news, Jesse said, 'In a difficult season this news will come as a massive shot in the arm for the club and most importantly for all the die-hard Bulls fans who have waited so long to get improved stadium facilities. I hope and believe this application will receive full support from the Council as it moves through the planning process.'