Ross-on-Wye 20, Yardley 25
ROSS want to play their league rugby in Gloucestershire next season – but first they intend to finish a stint in the North Midlands with a place in the top three.
They came a cropper against Yardley on Saturday but know the reason why. "We can do better. We made a couple of silly mistakes and paid the price," explained Paul Hayward.
With so many matches in the Birmingham area, Ross officials believe the club will become stronger by playing in Gloucestershire.
"Travelling up and down the motorway is a bit wearing. We need a different challenge," explained Hayward.
He says the club is now in a strong position.
"We are running two sides. The Seconds are very young but they are really keen. In a couple of years we should be in quite a strong position," he said.
Last season Ross finished a highly respectable third in their league and reckon they can improve on that this time.
A slow start did not help their cause against Yardley. The visitors kicked two penalty goals and scored a try before Ross opened their account with a try by Mike Davis converted by Chris Gage.
Gage slammed over penalty number two to start the second half before lapses in concentration proved fatal. Yardley scored two converted tries – and after that it was catch-up rugby for the Wyesiders.
Outside half Gareth Webb crashed his way over for a try converted by Gage, who also added a penalty goal, but by then Yardley had the game sewn up.
For the second week running Gage was named man-of-the-match while Hayward and Mince were the pick of the forwards.