With Ross 1sts at home against Smith 1sts, the 2nds also entertained Smiths in a high scoring league game which ended 59-52 in Ross’ favour.

Smiths started the brightest retaining possession for almost all of the first 10 minutes, then went over to score a converted try. Ross hit back with a score from TC Leach but the conversion was narrowly missed. Captain Joe Muldowney got Ross’ nose in front with a try and then he drop kicked the extras.

The game was end to end and each side found themselves in front at various stages of the game. Ross’ forwards were having the better of their opposite numbers, whilst Smiths were getting success in their backs, thanks largely to their classy No 10.

At the interval Ross were just shading the game by the odd try thanks to scores from Leach and centres Bas Parker and Pete Jarvis. The game was still in the balance and mid-way through the second half it was Smiths who looked the better, scoring three tries on the bounce. Ross dug deep and the forwards started to get well on top through some direct running which enabled flanker Tim Jefferies and prop Wayne Williams to score which full back Wes Downing converted.

Second row Wes Parker scored under the posts from a powerful run which scrum half Ryan Keating converted.

Smiths scored again with 10 minutes remaining. After this great score, Leach grabbed the hat-trick, followed by a score from winger Skylar Lilly to see the Ross-on-Wye side just edge a thrilling encounter.

There were some excellent performances from the Ross players. Bas Parker and Peter Jarvis were excellent in defence and running straight with ball in hand. Keating, who was filling in at scrum-half, was getting the ball away from scrums and rucks with speed and accuracy and TC Leach, with his hat-rick of tries, could all have been man of the match, but it went to Wes Parker, who ran his socks off and was all but dead on his feet at the end of the game.

This week, Ross 2nds will be hosting Cheltenham Civil Service at Greytree to see a 2.30pm kick off.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.