Ross-on-Wye kicked off the new season in earnest last Saturday with an impressive cup win against Aldridge from Wallsall. Two tough pre-season games obviously proved beneficial as Ross looked sharper in defence and on the ball.

The visitors brought physical size with them and, early on they were strong in the scrum, and in defence, as Ross searched for the opening score.

After a number of strong carries had been repelled by the visitors, fly half Aaron Ryder, moved the ball wide, fullback AJ kicked ahead and Thai Hayward almost opened the scoring as he outpaced the defence, but was beaten by the bounce of the ball.

However, the large crowd did not have to wait long for Ross to score, centre Matt King burst through two defenders in the midfield, and finding himself in acres of space, he raced into the visitors’ half before delivering a well timed pass to centre partner Dan Field. Dan outpaced the fullback to score, Aaron added the conversion and Ross were 7-0 up.

Aldridge remained competitive however, but the Ross defence held firm and the visitors’ mistakes began to build. Ross were soon able to double their lead, a long clearing kick saw Ross into the visitors’ twenty two, strong carries from the forwards dragged in the defence and some quick hands put Thai away to score. Again Aaron added the two and Ross were 14-0 ahead.

The big Aldridge pack was now starting to tire. Aaron Ryder added a penalty to take Ross 17-0 ahead and with half-time looming captain Casey Morgan added another to see Ross into half time 24-0 ahead.

Ross did not take their foot off the gas in the second half keeping the ball in play and in hand,whilst the vistors defended valiantly. The Ross pack did the basics well winning their scrum and lineout, their skill levels in poor conditions was excellent. Quick rucks and great inter passing saw them run in more tries with Ben and Josh Element, Matt King and Chris Price getting themselves on the score sheet. However, this was a team effort, the squad of 20 all contributed in attack and defence and the only blot on the copy book was allowing a soft late try which saw the final score Ross 48 Aldridge 7.

It was not possible to ick a single a man of the match as there were just too many good performances across the pitch, from number 1 to number 20.

On Saturday, September 10th, Ross have two games at home 3pm kick offs everyone is welcome at the Greytree ground to watch some great rugby and support the town.