Ross-on-Wye RFC suffered their first home league defeat of the season; beaten by table toppers Ashley Down, who were just too street wise, playing the blustery conditions better, and as a result they were able to keep their noses in front and deny Ross anything from the game.

The visitors scored an early try from a five yard penalty to take a 5 - 0 lead, but against a strong wind Ross dominated the rest of the half, showing great endeavour and skill they retained possession and were direct and strong at ruck time.

Ross spent what seemed like an age in the visitors’ twenty two, but could not find that try scoring pass or offload, but not for the want of trying, with Casey Morgan, Josh Element and Dave Green going close. The visitor defence held firm and a late Ashley Down penalty saw them go in at half time 8 - 0 ahead.

With the wind now at Ross’ backs, this scoreline was nowhere near a winning one. However, from the start of the second half, Ross could not deliver enough territory that would bring the scoreline close enough to get Ross back into the game.

Ashley Down defended well, but, more importantly, attacked smartly, putting pressure on the Ross defence. From this, they were able to enjoy more time in the Ross twenty two than the conditions would have suggested.

As always, the try line Ross defence was brave; twice they held up the visitors over the line. However, the pressure was bound to tell, and a try with ten minutes to go saw the visitors take a 13 - 0 lead, which they were able to protect for the remainder of the game.

Ross played well in places, looking strong when the ball was in play for long periods. The GMP Web Design man of the match was debutant Campbell, who offered himself up time after time as a ball carrier.

Next Saturday Ross are away to Kingswood Bristol a chance to get back to winning ways.