Ross continued their strong start to the new league season, edging past league leaders Colstonians recently and moving into the top four as a result.

Colstonians travelled to Ross unbeaten in the league and they looked at a team with confidence as they moved the ball quickly and accurately through hands. It took a lot of discipline in defence for Ross to stem the tide in the first quarter but not only did they keep a clean sheet but a Thai Hayward penalty saw them take a 3-0 lead.

After weathering the first quarter onslaught the game settled down with Ross enjoying some quality possession. The visitors defence held firm and a knock on by Ross on the halfway saw their winger hack the ball ahead and the bounce of the ball went his way. The visitors were on the scoreboard 5-3 ahead.

Ross refused to be rattled and once again settled into a period of possession. A couple of infringements by the visitors saw Ross set up camp deep in their 22 and from a five metre scrum the Ross pack edged the visitors back.

The scrum crumbled and the referee had no option but to award a penalty try, putting Ross 10-5 ahead. As the half came to a close, Colstonians moved the ball quickly left and their winger squeezed in to score after hitting the corner flag. After what seemed an age the ref awarded the try and both sides went into the break with ten points.

The game was there for both sides after the break, but it was Ross that upped the intensity, retaining possession phase after phase. The visitors worked hard in defence and without the ball, but such was the pressure exerted by the Ross pack a score became inevitable. Initially, it came from the boot of Thai Hayward, with a penalty, then after another clean scrum, Thai chipped the ball over the advancing defence. It landed in the arms of centre Dan Field who broke through a tackle and looked as if he would score. He was dragged down within five yards of the line.

Ross secured the ball and did not panic and after a couple of pick and drives from the base of the ruck they moved the ball quickly left. Dan Field took the scoring pass to put Ross further ahead. Thai converted the two and Ross were 20-10 up.

Within minutes, they had added another score. A series of abrasive runs by the Ross pack put the visitors back in their 22. It was quick hands by props Louis Morgan and Jonnie Baynham that put Dale Brooke into score and put Ross 25-10 ahead.

Ross continued to hkeep a tight grip on proceedings in the final quarter and closed out the game with a 25-10 victory.

The Audreys Fish Bar man of the match were the Ross front row of Jonnie Baynham, Josh Element and Louis Morgan.

On Saturday, October 27th, Ross are in league action in Gloucester at Old Cryptians RFC and it will be a 3pm kick off.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.