Ross RFC 2nd XV put in a much improved performance on Saturday, pushing league leaders, Old Halesonians all the way before conceding victory with a late converted try that saw the home team win 26-19.

In perfect conditions it was the home side that started the brightest, running in two converted tries within the first fifteen minutes opening up a 14-0 lead. Ross at this stage were living off scraps but were dangerous when they moved the ball quickly wide. Both Greg and Alex Bound had try scoring runs snuffed out by some last gasp tackling but Ross were unable to trouble the scorers and went in at half time 14-0 down.

The second half proved far more productive. From the off the Ross pack increased the pace of the game and the big Halesonians began to struggle as Tim Hanks and Adam Clements started to offload out of the tackle. This opened up space and after another Adam Clements break it was Winger, Ian Davies who was on the end of the offload and he sprinted in from 45 yards to score. Ian Phillips added the conversion and Ross were back in the game, 14-7 behind.

Ross continued to play a high tempo game, looking to move the Halesonians pack around the pitch and looking for the space that would bring them another score. However, two dubious off side decisions put them back in their own twenty two and from the ensuing line out, Halesonians drove over to score. The conversion was missed but Ross were now 19-7 down, with 20 minutes to play.

Ross refused to give in and threw everything at the home side. After being awarded a penalty, Ross took a quick tap and Tom Small took the ball into the heart of the Halesonians defence. The ball was spun right to Sam Griffiths who cut inside his marker to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Ross were 19-12 down.

By now it was one way traffic. Ross continued to keep the pace of the game up and from another quick penalty, Adam Clements cut through the defence to score under the posts. Ian Phillips converted and Ross were level 19-19 with 10 minutes remaining. At this stage it looked as if Ross would snatch the win however with only minutes remaining the Halesonians centre ran through some tired tackling to score and Ross had come up short by 26-19.

The Drop Inn Man of the match was Tim Hanks who had not played all season but looked as if he’d never been away. Ross 2nds are in Combination Cup action on Wednesday, 23rd March at Cinderford. Kick off is at 6.45pm.