After a two week lay off due to the weather, Ross 1sts were back in action last Saturday and showed why they are strong promotion candidates, with a comfortable 31-21 victory against Aretians from Bristol. It was Ross who started the brightest, showing great intent on a heavy pitch by moving the ball quickly through the hands at every opportunity, with Gareth Holdsworth and Dan Field looking sharp in the midfield. This adventurous play paid off as Dan Field opened the scoring with a fine try, which Craig Powell converted and Ross were 7-0 ahead after ten minutes. Both sides then traded a series of penalties as both teams infringed too regularly.

Both kickers were on good form and traded two penalties each to put the score 13-6 to Ross. An injury to front row Tony Clements led to some changes up front, with Dave Mince stepping in as prop. These disruptions, however, did not divert Ross from playing high tempo ball in hand rugby and just before half time they were rewarded with winger Craig Smith cruising in to score, putting Ross 18-6 up at the break.

The visitors fought back well after the break, sticking to a set piece game they denied Ross possession, and from a driving lineout crashed over to score, putting them only 18-13 behind as the game entered the final quarter. However, Ross broke out of the stranglehold and a fine try from Gareth Holdsworth, converted by Craig Powell, moved them 25-13 ahead. Ross continued to move the ball and the only way the visitors could contain them was by infringing.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.