After breezing through the first five rounds of the league campaign Ross found themselves having to fight back against a well organised and determined Minchinhampton side ably led by ex England centre, Mike Tindall.

It was the hosts who took an early lead from a lineout in the host’s twenty two, Ross were laboured as they moved the ball into midfield. Centre Dan Field was tackled man and ball and the home side’s centre emerged with the ball in hand and ran the 70 yards to score under the posts. The try was converted and Minchinhampton were 7-0 up.

For the rest of the half the game fell into a negative pattern for Ross, they too easily gave up hard earned possession and Minchinhampton, whether through the boot of Tindall or the ball carrying of the home side’s forwards, pinned Ross back into their twenty two, apart from an Aaron Ryder penalty, the only saving grace for Ross was that their defence prevented the hosts from adding to their tally and at the break Ross were 7-3 down.

The half time team talk was honest and candid and this re-focused Ross and the second half was a completely different game. Ross were more direct and kept the ball in hand, with very little possession Minchinhampton were left to defend, defend and defend and they could not keep Ross out.

Ross softened them up in the third quarter and once Gavin Oates’ try had put Ross ahead, then scores from Louis Morgan, Jonnie Baynham, Matt King and Dan Field not only saw Ross home comfortable winners but with another try bonus point in the bag.

This was Ross’ first serious test of the season, and at half time it looked as if they would not be up to it, however they re-grouped and put together a great second half performance and keep themselves top of the league unbeaten. The final score was Ross 1sts 30-14 Minchinhampton.

On Saturday Ross are away at local rivals Tewkesbury, with a 2.30pm kick off.