Ross-on-Wye RFC 2nds faced their first league game away to Mitchinhampton 2nds and were narrowly beaten 29-22.

Ross started slow and were three points down after only five minutes, soon to be increased to 10 points after a Mitchinhampton converted a try. Ross started to improve as the half wore on and scored a try in the corner from winger PJ Muldowney who linked well with his brother Tom.

Ross sensed that the game was there for the taking and, in the second half, captain Pete Jarvis stormed through the midfield to score, and fly-half Tom Harris converted. A lapse of concentration allowed Mitchinhampton to score when their flanker took advantage of poor guarding at a ruck. Ross’ scrum half Sam Griffiths took a quick tap penalty on 15 metres and scampered in under the posts. Again Mitchinhampton replied with a try taking them to 29-17 with 20 minutes still to play.

Replacement winger Paul Wooding used his pace and backed himself out wide to score for Ross, but by that time, the clock was almost up. Desperate defending from Mitchinhampton, together with the odd Ross knock-on or forward pass, gave Mitchinhampton the win.

There were lots of excellent performances from the Ross squad, including debutant Ryan Preece in the second row and Nick Stephens at hooker, but the Ross man of the match was Number eight, Joe Muldowney.

Next week Ross RFC 2nds are away to Cheltenham Civil Service 2nds in the league.