Ross-on-Wye kept their promotion hopes alive on Saturday, with a hard-fought win against promotion rivals, the Cheltenham Smiths.

This was a crucial match for both sides, who were each desperate for a win. As a result, it was defences that had the upper-hand throughout the game.

Neither side could stamp their authority on the first half of the game, but when Ross did get into the opposition half, Aaron Ryder found his radar, nailing two long-range penalties, to put Ross 6-0 up after 20 minutes.

Smiths did hit back just before half time, with a penalty of their own, to make the score 6-3.

Smiths took the lead early in the second half with a well-worked converted score, to pit them 10-6 up.

There was a feeling that the game could slip from Ross’s grasp, but Ross-on-Wye dominated the second half.

It took a long time for Ross to break down a strong away side defence, yet with ten minutes to go, Ross winger, Marcus Barnard, touched down after the Smiths’ fullback had tried to clear a Ross kick. Again, Aaron converted, and Ross took a slender 13-10 lead, which they comfortably protected, which gave them a well-earned win.

Next Saturday Ross are away in league action in Bristol against Bishopston