ROSS-ON-WYE coach Nick Rawlings feels his side are not good enough to get promoted this season.

The Greytree outfit are nine points from the two places in Gloucester 2 after losing 13-0 to fellow high-fliers Ashley Down Old Boys.

But Rawlings says Ross will be better equipped to go up next season.

"We didn't take opportunities when we had them and let ourselves down in key areas," said Rawlings.

"In the last 22, we fumbled balls or took it back in when we should have gone wide, but when you've got a lot of young people playing for you, including four 17-year-olds and two 19-year-olds, you're going to make mistakes.

"It's about learning this season and we'll beat teams along the way.

"But it's about enjoying the game and looking to the future.

"It'll be next year hopefully, that's the plan and it's about building the team.

"Some of the players are getting older now and it's about the youth so that they're ready in a few years time."

Two of the 17-year-olds who played last Saturday were twins Ben and Josh Element, who were instantly drafted into the first team this season.

Josh said the coaching staff at Greytree help the youngsters a lot.

"They give us a lot of support and encouragement, which is good," he said.

"When we're down, they pick us back up

"Our dad played a bit at school, but that is about it.

"We've got four 17-year-olds in the starting line-up, so hopefully, in the future, we can get stronger.

"We've got experience out there, but it's good that the youth are coming up."

Another 17-year-old on Ross's books is New Zealander Campbell Sommerville.

The second row forward joined Ross from London 1 North outfit Brentwood last month after moving to the area.

"I met a few people and knew another guy out here, so I got I got in touch with some people who play for Ross and it went from there," said Sommerville.

"I think we're good enough to go up, we just need a few extra people training as always.

"But we've got some good players."

After a period of sustained pressure, Ashley Down Old Boys scored a try through Glen Murray after eight minutes.

Ross did fight back though and had a number of opportunities to go over the away side's touchline, but poor decision making and strong defending from Ashley Down prevented them from scoring.

Luke Plummer, who controlled the game throughout for the Bristol-based side, then extended his side's lead with a penalty on the half-hour mark to take Ashley Down into half-time 8-0 up.

The win was complete 12 minutes from time when second row forward Ben Guy weaved his way through to touch down.

Meanwhile, Ross's second team had their match against Spartans called off an hour-and-a-half before kick off after the Gloucester side could not raise a side.

Ross have another tough task on their hands this Saturday when they travel to third-place Kingswood before hosting Bristol Aeroplane Company in their last game of the year.