DESPITE a tough start to the season on the pitch, having to put out a weakened side for several games, Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club have been rewarded off it with a team of the month award and a refreshing slab of beer.

The team was named St Austell Brewery Team of the Month for "completing the Covid protocol correctly and informing all clubs who they had been in contact with".

The award added: "They also got their players tested and still managed to put out a team each week and travelled albeit having a weakened side."

While recent results haven’t gone their way, including defeats to Bristol Saracens, Cheltenham Saracens, Longlevens, Old Cryptians, Clifton and Old Elizabethans, they beat Hucclecote 10-5 at home earlier in the season.

Last Saturday they missed out to Old Richians 31-6, and will be hoping to bounce back this Saturday (December 18) at Frampton Cotterell before the Christmas break.