Westbury-on-Severn RFC (14 v 67) Ross-on-wye RFC
Westbury-on-Severn RFC vs. Ross-on-Wye RFC – Match Report
Westbury-on-Severn RFC welcomed Ross-on-Wye RFC for the final friendly before the league kicks off next week.
Westbury got the game underway, and after a few phases, the Westbury defence was able to force a knock-on — scrum down to Westbury. Both packs eyed each other up, but it was Westbury who had the upper hand in the scrum. A Westbury error off the boot led to Ross having a line-out. From the line-out, Ross went on the attack, pushing deep into the 22. After a few quick phases, the first try was scored.
Westbury 0–5 Ross
From the restart, Westbury were able to pressure Ross in their own half. After Ross cleared their lines, Westbury managed to string a few phases together, and with a line break from Harry Janneh (D&A Morgan), they found themselves attacking right on Ross’ try line.
Westbury struggled at times to find flow in attack, largely due to Ross’ solid defensive work. A lost line-out in Ross’ 22 led to the second try of the match, as Ross capitalised on Westbury’s errors.
Westbury 0–10 Ross
An error from the kick-off gave Ross a scrum on the halfway line. From there, Ross got the ball out quickly into the wide channels, breaking behind the Westbury defence. Robbie Pritchard (Five Acres Garage) made a great recovery tackle, but Ross proved too strong going forward, scoring the third try under the posts. The conversion was successful.
Westbury 0–17 Ross
Westbury rallied for the next ten minutes but lacked structure in attack, despite strong breaks from Daniel Morgan (Hawthorn’s Pet Supplies), Robbie Pritchard (Five Acres Garage), and Jamie Giles (available to sponsor). These chances, however, ended in turnovers or penalties for holding on. Frustration began to creep in, leading to more mistakes. Ross capitalised again with another converted try.
Westbury 0–24 Ross
Ross continued to be clinical in attack. The Westbury defence was being picked apart, though a flying tackle from Andrew Cueto (Lime Masonry LTD) stopped Ross’ winger down the touchline. From the resulting line-out, Westbury couldn’t gather the ball, and Ross wasted no time spreading it wide to score in the far corner.
Westbury 0–29 Ross
Now 29 points behind, Westbury needed a response. Rory Pritchard (Forge Motorsports) brought the team together, and Westbury began to find rhythm in attack — particularly through the pack, who worked tightly to narrow Ross' defence. With a call from the backs, Paul Reddan (The Simon Family) shaped a pass to Andrew Cueto (Lime Masonry LTD), who scored in the corner. Jay Scott (available to sponsor) slotted the conversion from the touchline.
Westbury 7–29 Ross
Ross, not wanting to give Westbury any momentum, struck back just before halftime with another try under the posts.
Half-time score: Westbury 7–36 Ross
Ross picked up right where they left off, scoring again just minutes into the second half with a converted try.
Westbury 7–43 Ross
Westbury applied pressure and kept Ross pinned in their own 22 but couldn't finish. A costly error led to Ross scoring a try from within their own 5-metre line.
Westbury 7–50 Ross
Both teams battled in midfield for a period, neither able to hold onto possession. A quick line-out caught Westbury off guard, and Ross ran in another try.
Westbury 7–55 Ross
Off the back of a dominant scrum, Declan Loew spotted space behind the Ross defence. He chipped a kick over the top and regathered it for Westbury’s second try. Paul Reddan (The Simon Family) added the extras.
Westbury 14–55 Ross
Ross added two further tries in the final quarter, sealing a dominant win.
Full-time: Westbury 14–67 Ross
It should be noted that Westbury were facing a side from the league above, with promotion ambitions. Even so, Westbury could — and should — have played with more structure and the passion seen in training. This match will serve as a lesson, and key areas will be addressed in Tuesday’s training session.
Not Westbury’s day — but congratulations to Ross for a solid performance.
Ross-on-Wye RFC Man of the Match: Ben Heyes
Westbury-on-Severn RFC Man of the Match: Daniel Morgan (Hawthorn’s Pet Supplies).
Coach Robbie’s Thoughts
"It was a tough battle against a well-drilled Ross side who are pushing for promotion in the league above."
"After speaking with the lads, we all agree that we can compete at that level. Unfortunately, a few silly errors and some tough decisions didn’t go our way, which made it harder for us to get into the game."
"That being said, we’ve had a successful pre-season campaign, winning two out of our three games. We’re aiming to carry that momentum into our first league fixture this Saturday, away to Cheltenham North II."
"Thank you for your continued support — we hope to see you there!"
