Rugby is often played in wet,windy and muddy conditions, and last Saturday Ross Rugby Club Ist XV's match took place in very difficult conditions. Ross failed to deliver another away win in the Gloucester League Premier Division, losing to Tewkesbury 18 - 6.

Tewkesbury attacked first and moved the ball quickly out of contact, stretching the Ross defence, and on a couple of occasions it looked as if they would score. But the Ross defence held firm, and after weathering the early pressure it was Ross who opened the scoring. After both scrum half, James Hughes, and number 10, Gareth Holdsworth, had given Ross good territory, the Tewksbury 8 came off-side at the ruck, and James Hughes calmly slotted the penalty against a gusting wind.

With the game entering the second quarter, Ross looked in control of the match. Their kicking game was putting pressure on the Tewkesbury back three, and their defence was looking comfortable. However, with the half coming to a close, Ross took their foot off the peddle and let Tewkesbury in for a try. From a Ross scrum Tewkesbury stole possession and quickly moved the ball to their winger who crashed over to score, giving a half time score of 5 - 3 to the home team.

Early in the second half both teams exchanged penalties and going into the last quarter Tewkesbury were 8 - 6 ahead. The Ross pack picked up the tempo through their pick and drive game, this tactic delivered some big yardage gains and from a delicate chip through from Gareth Holdsworth, centre, Chay Brine, nearly slid over to score.

The game was in the balance and it looked as if the next score would settle it, but after a period of good territory and pressure it was Tewkesbury who dealt the killer blow. From another chip through by Gareth Holdsworth, the ball bounced up kindly for the Tewkesbury centre who had enough pace to go outside the cover defence to score. They added the conversion and moved 15 - 6 ahead, a late penalty sealed the win. After competing effectively for most of the match Ross saw another opportunity slip away.

The Walford Timber Man of the match was Tim Hanks, for a strong game in defence and attack.

Next Saturday Ross have a friendly at home against Greyhound of Hereford, kick-off at 2.30 pm.