Counties Tribute Gloucestershire 4

Ross RFC 14 Minchinhampton 26

ROSS welcomed Minchinhampton to Greytree on Saturday for what was always going to be a tough battle.

In the first outing of the new kit, the boys looked good and were ready to play.

Ross knew that the forward battle would be crucial against a big and physical visitors’ pack, and the forwards stepped up to the challenge, producing strong and competitive set piece throughout the afternoon.

But it was the Stroud outfit who struck first with a converted try after an intense opening spell, with both sides putting in some big hits.

Ross responded brilliantly, with some excellent hands from the forwards creating space for Andrew Mulati to burst through the middle and score under the posts, Tomas Mulhearn converting for 7-7.

Handling errors then halted some promising openings, but Minchinhampton eventually found a way through to score in the corner, leaving the score 12-7 at half time.

Ross came out after the break looking to get back on the front foot, but the visitors extended their lead with another breakaway score to make it 19–7.

The hosts refused to give up though, and a great effort from Kieron Terry off the back of the scrum saw him go over for their second try, Mulhearn once again adding the conversion (19-14).

Ross continued to push hard, with the replacements bringing some much-needed energy in both attack and defence.

But creating further chances they couldn’t quite find the finish.

And Minchinhampton managed to score again to make it 26-14, and despite a late Ross push, the hosts couldn’t add another score.

Ross Man of the Match was Max Roberts who carried hard all day and worked tirelessly in defence

It was another improved performance though, with several players stepping in and playing out of position.

Ross next host Smiths 2nds this Saturday afternoon (October 10).

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