After a late thaw, Ross were back in league action on Saturday, looking for a win against Gloucester Old Boys that would take them out of the relegation zone, which they duly did, scoring three tries to one, emerging comfortable winners in the end.

After a two week break due to the weather, both sides looked a bit rusty early on. However it was Ross that found their range after 10 minutes and opened the scoring. A strong scrum in midfield saw the ball moved quickly through the hands to centre Chay Brine. He cut outside his opposite number and looked as if he might go all the way and score, but was brought down 5 yards out. However, the Ross pack were there in numbers securing quality ruck ball for Matt Redman to crash over to score, putting Ross 5-0 ahead.

The score seemed to give Ross confidence as they looked dangerous whenever they got the ball wide to James Hughes, TC Leech and Huw Bellamy. However, they could not get that all important second score and in a five minute period early in the second quarter, Gloucester took the lead through a penalty and converted try, which saw Ross 10-5 down with only minutes left in the first half. However, Ross responded. Some strong running by Tara Barnett and Matt Jones saw Ross with quality ball just inside the Old Boys half. Scrum half Craig Powell moved the ball right to Gareth Holdsworth who timed his pass perfectly to James Hughes who cut the defence to pieces as he cantered over to score under the posts. Casey Morgan converted and Ross went in at half time 12-10 ahead.

The second half saw some great defence from Ross as Old Boys dominated possession in the third quarter, but some great defence from Jake Christopher, Dave Mince and Chay Brine ensured that Old Boys did not add to their tally. As the game entered the final quarter it was Ross that got the important score. Once again it was the pace of Chay Brine who got Ross into the Old Boys twenty two. From the ruck TC Leech drove hard into the Old Boys defence. He was stopped 5 metres short, but quick work from Captain, Gavin Oates saw him dart through the ruck to score, putting Ross 17-10 ahead.

Ross comfortably held out for the last 10 minutes and would have added a fourth try if the referee had not blown up for a Ross penalty as James Hughes was about to score, but Ross got that important victory.

The Walford Timber man of the match was Chay Brine who caused Old Boys problems every time he got the ball.

Next Saturday Ross are at home to the Old Colstonians. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, 27th November, the Junior Academy took 17 squad members to the Welsh Indoor Championships. The athletes, ranging from J11 to J16 performed brilliantly to bring home a massive tally of 15 Medals.

Gold medals were won by Gabby Howell in Wj11, Johan Lai, J14, and Charlie Morris Wj15. These were backed up by 6 Silver medals won by Rosie Brandram-Jones, Wj16, Scarlett Brodholt, Wj12, Pippa England and Christina Stevenson, Wj13, Tom Scott, J12 and Molly Phillips, Wj14. Another 6 bronze medals were picked up by Josh Bailey, J16, Fran Watling, Wj12, Catlin Scott, Wj14, Rosie Ingram, Wj14, Rosie Brandram-Jones in the Open U23 relay, ( With Swansea University) and Catlin Scott in the Open Beginner Womens Relay (With Swansea University).

Graham Watling, chief coach for the squad at this event commented, 'These are tremendous results, and most of the squad achieved personal best even if they did not medal. We are very proud of their performances.'

Many thanks were expressed on behalf of the squad to Graham and Wendy Watling and Mark Scott for the fantastic organization and support at the event.