Aretians 22 pts Ross on Wye 14

AN early try by centre Craig Smith, converted by Craig Powell, proved a false dawn for Ross as they went down to a powerful Aretians outfit in Bristol.

Smith sprinted away to score an excellent individual try under the posts but, from then on, the larger Aretians pack started to dominate and they levelled the scores with a penalty try.

A score by the home winger made it 12-7 at the break and Aretians pulled further away at the start of the second period with a converted try and a penalty.

This prompted fears that Aretians might pull away but, instead, fine handling from Casey Morgan and Chay Brine started to open up gaps in the home defence.

Gavin Oates, Ben Chapman, Chris Thomas and Dave Green created overlaps but Ross failed to finish them off until right at the end when Pete Jarvis sent Huw Bellamy away to score.

Powell again added the conversion but the home side held on.

Hereford 2nd beat Malvern 2nd 33-7 at Wyeside with tries from Aaron Treagus 2, Dan Mills, Liam Shaw and Colin Osbourne with George Eynon adding four conversions.