Ross-on-Wye RFC 1st XI bounced back from two defeats on the trot to run out worthy winners 42-0 at home to Minchinhampton.

Minchinhampton were only a point behind Ross in the league table, but Ross found themselves 14 – 0 up within ten minutes. First, winger Marcus Barnhard popped up in midfield and linked well with centre Matt King, who passed back to Barnhard to score. Fly-half Aaron Ryder converted.

Next, full-back Thai Hayward was on the end of some silky passing skills to score, for Ryder to convert again. Ross found themselves under intense pressure for ten minutes after flanker Gavin Oates was sin binned for pulling down a line out and he was soon followed by captain Casey Morgan for a high tackle.

Ross however held firm with some superb defence and, when back to full numbers, Ross returned to full stride, until hooker Josh Element was adjudged to have stamped on an opponent and given a red card.

Ross knew it was going to be a tough second half, but pressure was eased through Barnhard’s second try on 45 minutes and a Ryder conversion. Ross never looked like they were down to 14 men as centre Matt King broke through the Minchinhampton defence. When he was collared just shy of the line, his centre partner Dan Field was on hand to score under the posts.

Try of the match came with Ross deep in their own half and quality hands got the ball to Thai Hayward. He used his excellent feet to side step inside which saw him clear and he had just enough pace to score. Ryder’s kicking was excellent as he converted all the extras, often from the touch line and in blustery conditions. The icing on the cake came from prop Luke Ward who crashed over from five yards following an excellent display of forward control and rucking.

The Magna Technology man of the match was centre, Dan Field. This week Ross have a much needed break from league action.