Ross on Wye 31 Painswick 12

WITH ROSS now at the business end of the season, every Gloucestershire League Division 1 game becomes a must win as they look for their third promotion in four seasons. After a slight wobble either side of half-time, Ross eventually ran out comfortable winners last Saturday beating a spirited Painswick side 31-12 at Ross Sports Centre. Getting off to a good start is always crucial, and Ross couldn't have wished for a better first quarter, quickly racking up three tries. The first score came after five minutes. Ross had dominated the early proceedings and after securing quality lineout ball on halfway, the centre, Bas Parker, crashed the ball up in midfield. Mike Davies picked it up and drove before off-loading to Gavin Oates who accelerated through a gap in the defence, and even though he was tackled just short of the line, he managed to stretch out to score, Chay Brine converted and Ross were 7 - 0 ahead. Within a few minutes Ross doubled their tally, Matt Jones secured the kickoff and Wayne Williams, then Adam Clements, drove hard into the Painswick defence before the referee blew for a Ross scrum. The Ross tight five delivered perfect ball for Mike Davies at 8, who broke blind before popping the ball to scrum half James Hughes. He drew the defender, timing a great pass to Chay Brine, who cantered through the gap to score. He converted his own try, putting Ross 14 - 0 up at this stage. Ross were dominant and it was only a matter of time before they added a further score. Nick Rawlings found Adam Clements in the lineout, Ross moved the ball to Luke Gray in midfield, from the ruck the ball came back to Gareth Holdsworth who chipped the ball over the Painswick defence, winger Ali Hunter-Blair was the first to re-act, claiming the bouncing ball before cutting inside his defender to score. After twenty minutes Ross were 19 - 0 up. Ross seemed to take their foot off the peddle during the second quarter, falling foul of some refereeing decisions, and it was Painswick who finished the half stronger, running in two late tries giving a half time score of 19-12. Sensing a comeback, Painswick started the second half the stronger camping in the Ross twenty two for most of the third quarter. However, the Ross defense held firm, with Gavin Oates and Huw Bellamy putting in some crucial tackles. A score from Painswick could have put a different complexion on proceedings, but Ross held firm. Painswick tired andRoss were able to dominate the last quarter. On two occasions Ross nearly increased their lead, first winger Huw Bellamy nearly touched down after chipping the ball through, then some great handling between Luke Gray, Huw Bellamy and Gavin Oates, saw Ross denied by a knock on five yards out. But this pressure finally paid dividends,with ten minutes left on the clock, after establishing possession deep in the Painswick twenty two, first Dave Mince went close, then Tara Barnett, before Mike Davies crashed over to score, Chay Brine converted and Ross were 26-12 ahead. In the dying minutes Ross added their fifth try. Centre, Ali Rees, crashed the ball up in midfield, Ross secured quick ball and TC Leech took the ball up to the Painswick twenty two. From the ruck James Hughes moved the ball to fly half, Gareth Holdsworth. He chipped the ball over the onrushing defence and then collected a favourable bounce, to canter over to score. That was the last play of the game with Ross running out 31 - 12 winners.The GMP Web design Man of the Match was Gavin Oates.Next Saturday, March 14th, Ross 1stsare away to Longlevens and Ross 2nds are away to Kings Norton, both are League games.