An injury-ravaged Ross side travelled to Bristol on Saturday looking to continue their strong current form. However, the home team proved too strong and edged a 16-7 victory.

Even without six first team forwards the Ross pack still proved competitive against a big Ashley Down forward outfit, with the quicker and more skilful backs Ross looked to move the ball at every occasion, but the home side were adept at slowing the play down, preferring a set piece tight affair.

Ashley Down opened the scoring with a penalty which they quickly added to with the first try of the game, putting them 8-0 ahead. However a well worked Craig Smith try converted by Craig Powell put Ross back in the game and at half time the score was 8-7 to the home team.

The home team had the slope in the second half and made good use of it, keeping Ross pinned back in their own twenty two with some accurate kicking. With such an advantage in territory it was inevitable that their bigger pack would conjure up scoring opportunities and as in the first half they added a penalty and a try to deny Ross not only a win, but a losing bonus point.

Next Saturday the Ross 1st team are away at Gloucester Spartans with the 2nds having a weekend off.

The next home game is the Spring Chickens versus the Mature Cheeses on Boxing Day a 12 noon kick off. Ross Rugby Club looks forward to welcoming players and spectators, old and new, for a festival of rugby. Players and officials at the club wish spectators, sponsors and Josie and Arto Bundy a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.