Ross Rugby Club’s 1st XV progressed to the semi final of the North Midlands RFU Cup competition last Saturday, December 3rd. They managed to overcome a hard working and committed Tenbury side with a late Thai Hayward try that saw Ross win the game, 16-9, and through to the next round.

The opening exchanges saw both sides looking to gain the upper hand. They were both seeking to move the ball quickly from ruck or maul, searching for those elusive gaps or poorly defended areas. However, both defences held firm and it was Ross that established a strangle hold on the game as they dominated possession and territory. With the amount of ball Ross enjoyed the game, but it should have been over as a contest by half time. However, far too often, Ross gave away soft penalties that enabled Tenbury to cling on to the game, but as their defence held firm Ross had to content themselves with the boot of Aaron Ryder. But it seemed as soon as Aaron had kicked them ahead, a series of penalties let Tenbury back into the game. By half time Ross had seen their slender three point lead pegged back on three occasions and they went in at the break 9-9.

Ross continued to dominate possession in the second half, but the obstinate Tenbury defence held firm. Ross looked to build pressure through territorial advantage but with their lineout misfiring far too often, they could not lay siege to the visitors’ line for long enough to force the score. When they did go wide with the ball too many passes were either not made, or were poorly executed. This gave the Tenbury defence enough time to scramble back and make the crucial tackles. After 70 minutes the Tenbury defensive wall was finally breached. Initially some strong ball carrying from the forwards got Ross to within a few yards and when the ball went wide, Thai Hayward had enough time to step inside the wingers’ tackle and crash over to score. Aaron added the conversion from wide out on the left and Ross comfortably saw out the remaining ten minutes of play.

There was plenty of hard work and endeavour by the Ross squad, especially the forwards who were far more physical than the visitors.

In the end though it was Aaron Ryders’ boot that made the difference to the game, so he was awarded man of the match.

On Saturday Ross are at home back in league action against fellow promotion candidates Bishopston for a 2.30pm kick off at Greytree.