Ross 2nds came up against a strong Hucclecote side at home and crashed to a 14-47 defeat. From the off, Hucclecote used their speed out in the backs to find gaps and score for fun.

It took Ross 30 minutes to see any quality ball, and when they did it was their forwards who imposed themselves.

The Ross scrum was firm and at the fringes of rucks they were dominant. With the front row of Dave Lawrence, Jason Oates and Sean Murphy they picked the ball up from the back of the rucks and drove Ross on. It was only stubborn Hucclecote’s defending that prevented Ross fromscoring.

The second half started brightly for Ross, when TC Leach broke the Hucclecote line to score under the sticks with his try being converted. They then clawed back another when Dan Gould crashed over from five yards.

It was Hucclecote who finished the game strongest, with younger and fresher legs having a huge impact. Despite this, Ross still battled to the end, with Steve White and Bas Parker putting in some try saving tackles.

It was a stern test for Ross who can hold their heads high after a game that could have easily ran away from them.

The man of the match was centre Bas Parker. This week Ross 2nds are in league action away to Dursley.