Rosson-Wye Rugby Club opened their season with a cup game against Greyhound in round one of the North Midlands Vase. As the holders Ross were determined not to relinquish their hold on this trophy and were never troubled by their opponents, running out convincing winners by a score of 69-14.

The weather was perfect for running rugby, however both sides looked rusty as you might expect for the first game of the season. Although there were some very good passages of play from Ross the game was a bit stop/start as both sides were guilty of too many basic errors.

Ross’s winger come scrum half Marcus Barnard did light up the game though with three dazzling tries as he dashed and darted his way through a bemused Greyhound defence, to use a boxing term, they could not land a glove on him all afternoon. Debutant back rower, Dale Brooke, had a strong game in both defence and with ball in hand capped it off with a late try. Senior citizen, Gavin Oates had an industrious afternoon also getting on the scoresheet.

Young Ollie Thomas looked composed at fly half after taking over from his brother, Aaron. He also got on the scoresheet with a late conversion.

Cup rugby is all about winning so this was job done.

Ross need to and will get better as tougher encounters beckon, starting next Saturday as they open their league campaign away to Cotham Park RFC in Bristol, 3pm kick off. The Magenta Technology Man of the match was Marcus Barnard.