Ross Firsts took to the field against a large Cheltenham Saracens team on Saturday, September 24th. After 30 minutes the team paid the price for poor play with a number of quick penalties for Cheltenham. This seemed to jolt the Ross team into action and a searing break from Gareth Holdsworth was stopped a metre from the try line. After a massively promising line out and maul a poor decision meant that Ross went in 5 – 0 down at half time.

Cheltenham dominated possession and territory for virtually all of the second half. One episode did see Ross manage to break out and after great off-load from Casey Morgan and quick hands from Chay Brine, the electric Ali Hunter Blair beat his winger, and the fall back, to cruise in under the posts.

However straight after this Ross had two players sin binned and despite a massive effort from Dave Mince, Chris Price and Wayne Williams in the front row they were unable to combat the opposition. This resulted in a penalty to Saracens which the nine kicked between the posts to leave Ross 8 – 7 behind with eight minutes to play.

A huge effort saw a weaving run from Josh Morgan lead to good field position and after Gavin carried the ball up Ross gained a penalty with three minutes to go. This was a good 35 metres out but Casey showed icy nerves to kick it and put Ross ahead.

For the next couple of minutes Ross defended stoutly with Jake making a number of tackles but despite trying their best not to give a penalty away the referee gave Saracens a chance to win the game. The nine duly obliged and Ross were behind with a minute to go.

Whilst it was a disappointing result the team have shown over the past few weeks how well they can defend. Back at home to Dursley on Saturday, October 8th Ross will hopefully express their ability.