CHIPPING Sodbury Rugby Club came to Ross on Saturday on the back of two big victories and a draw against Gloucestershire Division 1 League leaders, Tewksbury. They were looking to put a dent in the Ross promotion push.

However, Ross were always in control of this game and eventually ran out comfortable 28 - 3 victors. A win next Saturday at Ashley Down in Bristol will confirm second place and automatic promotion to the Gloucester Premiership next season. The game was punctuated by heavy hail showers and a blustery wind, so both sides took their time to find their feet, and they found it difficult to hold onto the ball. From the ensuing scrums, Ross

were completely dominant. The home tight five gave Chipping a torrid time all afternoon. In the first quarter they turned over the first two Chipping scrums, and disrupted their possession for the rest of the half. It was from this dominance that Ross laid a platform for their win. After an early Chay Brine penalty Ross opened their try count early in the second quarter. From another dominant scrum James Hughes moved the ball left, Bas Parker got Ross over the gainline. Quick ruck ball was moved through the hands to Huw Bellamy, who twisted out of the first tackle, and stepped out of another attempt, before sending a scoring pass to Chay Brine who cantered in under the posts. He converted and Ross were 10 - 0 ahead. As half time loomed Chay Brine added another penalty and Ross went in 13 - 0 up. Chipping Sodbury started the second half with a bit more purpose and converted an early penalty to bring them back to 13 - 3 down. However, through their dominance up front, Ross quickly regained control. After a series of rucks Ross found themselves a couple of yards out. James Hughes had a go for the line, followed by Dave

Mince, but they were both held up. Finally, Huw Bellamy crossed the line, only to have the ball knocked out of his hands in the process of scoring.

Five minutes later, after Gavin Oates secured a turnover, Luke Gray looked to have scored in the corner, but the referee adjudged he also

knocked the ball on over the line. Finally Ross's pressure paid dividends, with 10 minutes to go Ali Hunter-Blair scored wide out on the right wing. Chay Brine converted and after adding an earlier penalty Ross were

23 - 3 clear. On the last play of the game, TC Leech added another score. He picked the ball up 50 yards out and burst through two tackles, before

sidestepping the fullback to score, leaving Ross comfortable 28 - 3 winners. Ross RFC is grateful to Ross Target Shooting Club for the use of their car-park. The Match was sponsored by Peter Nash Cars,and the Peter Nash Cars man of the match was Huw Bellamy. Next Saturday, April 4th, Ross travel to Bristol looking to secure promotion with a win • Huw Bellamy, Man of the Match, in action. at Ashley Down.