Tewksbury 0 - Ross on Wye 16

Teamwork, pride, passion and skill was on display last Saturday at Tewksbury as an outstanding Ross team ended the home team's unbeaten start to their campaign, convincingly beating them 16 - 0.

Prior to last Saturday, not only had Tewksbury been unbeaten in the league, but they had not conceded a try at home all season, winning all their games convincingly.

However, Ross started the game the strongest, their physicality in the tackle and at the breakdown was to much for a big Tewksbury pack, who found themselves on the wrong side of the referee's whistle on a number of occasions. Ross took advantage of this by driving themselves deep into the Tewksbury half. When the home team did secure possession they sent their big runners into the Ross defence, but time after time they were smashed back in the tackle.

The whole of the Ross team played their part in defence, and it was from this constant Ross pressure that Tewksbury conceded two kickable penalties, which Ali Rees converted to put Ross 6 - 0 ahead. As the half came to a close Tewksbury went close wide out, but again the wide out defence of Huw Bellamy, Chay Brine and Baz Parker, kept them out.

With the large crowd urging them on in the second half, the Tewksbury pack began to develop possession and territory, looking to bring their big outside centre into the game as often as possible. However in defence it was a replay of the first half, Ross snuffing out any opportunity before the home team could develop the play. Ross thought they had scored the first try ten minutes into the half, when after a strong scrum Tim Hanks broke right before putting Baz Parker away. He was tackled but quick ball was recycled, and Chay Brine fed Ali Hunter-Blair who looked to have scored in the corner. But the referee said he was unsighted and the score was not given.

Ross were not to be denied, another Ali Rees penalty put Ross 9 - 0 ahead with less than 15 minutes left. Tewksbury upped the pace, but from another piece of brilliant defending, Ross were able to put the game out of reach. Tewksbury won scrum ball and moved the ball quickly left, however, the Ross midfield defence was again up quickly. Bas Parker made a big tackle in midfield and Tewksbury spilled the ball. Chay Brine was the first to react, he outpaced the chasing defence to score under the posts. Ali Rees converted and Ross were 16 - 0 up.

Tewksbury dominated the last five minutes looking for that consolation score, but the Ross defence refused to buckle and the referee ended the game and Tewksbury's unbeaten record.

The Ross man of the match award went to the whole squad of 17, who thoroughly deserved the victory.