Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club progressed to the semi-final in the Forest of Dean Combination Cup on Saturday with a hard fought win against Drybrook, pulling away in the last quarter to win 53-17.

The opening encounter was dominated by defence as both sides looked to exert themselves in the collisions. Ross pushed an early penalty wide, and the score stayed 0-0 as defences dominated, until early in the second quarter. Hooker, Josh Element, crashed over to score in the corner, off a set piece lineout move, but Drybrook hit back within a few minutes.

They started to gain territory through their pick and drive game. A couple of penalties saw then get deep in the Ross twenty two and after a number of attempts at the try line they eventually scored to take the lead 7-5. But, with half time approaching, Ross scored two tries, through Dale Brooke and Casey Morgan, and went in at the break 15-7 ahead.

An early Drybrook penalty after the break saw them bring the score back to 15-10, but two quick scores from Casey Morgan and Josh Walker put some daylight between the teams as Ross went 29-10 clear. Drybrook hit back with another try to pull themselves within 12 points but a Craig Smith hat trick saw off a spirited Drybrook side and, on the final whistle, centre Gareth Holdswoth added another try to see Ross through 53-17 winners.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.