In damp and very windy conditions, Tewkesbury hosted Ross U14s, and this very strong side just managed to hold Ross off to win 24-19.

The match took place in the shadow of the Abbey and under gloomy skies. As the wind howled down the pitch, Tewkesbury took full advantage and used the wind to launch the ball into the corner in front of the Ross defence.

This led to a first unconverted try to the hosts. Ross attacked valiantly and the forwards put in some brilliant rucking and mauling to bring the ball close the Tewkesbury try line on two occasions. Lewis Over, Brad Preece, Flynn Piper, Cameron Ogilvie, Henry Watkins and George Phillips were notable for their work ethic and team play.

The yellow and black shirts of Tewkesbury proved to be a solid wall and they defended valiantly with their backs to the wind. Further tries from the hosts saw Ross approaching the break two tries down (one of which had been converted). The visitors rallied and, following great tackling all around the pitch, especially from Ross full back Ollie Cross, Ross managed to work the ball to within striking distance for the marauding Josh Simms (Prop) to run the ball over the line between the posts. This was duly converted by Ben Pilot.

Following the break, Ross started slowly and allowed a relatively soft try early on. However, the momentum shifted to the boys in blue and white who then managed, through hard work and much endeavour, to get the ball into the strong and determined hands of centre Callum Coe who powerfully finished two tries to bring Ross within one score of Tewkesbury. Despite some great handling by Ross in both the forwards and backs, the home side held out and finished the game only five points clear of Ross, who showed such terrific team spirit.

Overall the visiting side should be very proud of their committed team performance which was praised by opposition coaches and players alike as Tewkesbury are tough opponents who have accumulated high scores against other high quality opponents earlier this season. Ross had to move players around on several occasions to accommodate injuries and there were notable performances from many, especially when they were forced to play out of position.