Tremendous displays of rugby skill and sportsmanship lead Ross Rugby Ladies to collect their first trophy at the opening tournament of the 2016 Ladies Midlands touch league.

This was held on a beautiful spring day on Sunday, March 13th. Ross, in their new playing and training kit, looked the part as they took to the field in their first game against the hosts, Luctonians.

Within the first minute Ross produced some great rugby and scored a great try by Adie Batt. After conceding a try due to some early nerves, the score was stretched by some great play by Sarah Bevan, Helen Taylor-Davies and finished off a great game with a run away try by Nic Richardson-Wall. Ross 4 Luctonians 1

The second game was against Bredon. Whilst Bredon defended very well, Amy Yates spotted a 2 on 1 and drew her defender fantastically and put Nic Richardson-Wall into a huge amount of space to run in for a well worked try. Final score Ross 1 Bredon 0

The third game was against the Ross team’s Nemesis side, Bomyard, in all the years of playing they have never managed to beat them, and as the game started the tension was clear for all to see. Following a great move involving Helen, Nic and Sarah, Nic caught the defence offside to score a great try. The second try, started by Kim Parker, onto Sarah and then a great loop from Laura Kendal-Seal and a brilliant dummy to score the second try and seal a great victory. Final score Ross 2 Bromyard 0

The fourth game was against last year’s league runaway winners, Pershore. It was a very even game with some great running rugby played by both sides, unfortunately they went down to a well worked try and despite their best efforts just couldn’t cross the line and the game finished Ross 0 Pershore 1

The fifth and final game was against Berry Hill and was another great display of both attacking and defending rugby, Nic opening the scoring with a lovely draw and pass by Helen and Sarah finishing a great team try for the second. Ross 2 Berry Hill 0.

This was a great start to the tournament season and the Ladies were awarded the first ever trophy since forming. Manager, Ben Taylor-Davies told the Ross Gazette that he is very proud of the progress the girls have made over the last few years. He said:?“The togetherness of the squad means we will push Pershore hard this season.”

Ross-on-Wye Player of the Tournament went to Alex Harrington. Forest Gump award went to Helen Taylor-Davies. Forest Gump members are those that have scored, but alas behind the wrong line.