Ross-on-Wye 12 points Evesham 6 ROSS retained the North Midlands Vase after an epic struggle against Evesham in the final at Stourbridge.

Adam Clements and centre Luke Gray scored second-half tries for Ross who sealed last Sunday’s victory with only three minutes remaining.

Ross are the second club after Kings Norton (winners in 2006 and 2007) to retain the trophy.

Ross dominated the opening 15 minutes of a lively but error-strewn first-half which remained scoreless at the break.

A quick burst and chip ahead from winger Ali Hunter-Blair and Mike Davies’ charge towards the line were Ross’ attacking highlights in the first half.

Ross conceded 11 penalties in the opening half and almost fell behind in stoppage-time.

Evesham were awarded a penalty just outside the Ross 22 but Morris Parkinson dragged his kick narrowly wide.

Evesham made a quick start to the second half but strong tackling prevented the Worcestershire outfit from crashing over.

Chay Brine missed a 25-metre penalty in the 46th minute before Ross took the lead three minutes later.

Gavin Oates was stopped short of the Evesham line but Clements dived over from close-range and Brine added the conversion to put Ross 7-0 ahead.

Evesham made an immediate response, however, and two quick-fire Dave Marsh penalties cut the Ross lead to just one point.

Wayne Williams and Tim Hanks then made vital try-saving tackles in the 68th minute as Evesham pounded the Ross line.

Another surging run from Hunter-Blair gave Ross good field position and they scored a vital second try with three minutes left.

Gray dived over in the right-hand corner for an unconverted try after a slick passing move to give Ross a 12-6 advantage.

Ross remained on top and could have extended their lead when Brine missed a 22-metre penalty from the last play of the match.

“A cup win and promotion rounds the season off well,” said Ross trustee John Rawlings.

“I’m delighted with the way the season has gone and the next target is to get our own ground up and running.

“Our coach Paul Haley and Simon Gwynne have worked very hard and put in a tremendous amount this season.”

Ross coach Haley said: “We fell over the line a bit today but I think the boys deserved it.

“We did enough and our defence held strong, as it has all season.

“To get promotion and to retain the cup were our objectives which we have achieved.

“Now we go away and start all over again at the beginning of July.”

Ross: Brine, Hunter-Blair, Gray, Parker, Bellamy, Holdsworth, Hughes; Mince, Rawlings, Williams, Clements, Jones, Hanks, Oates, Davies. Replacements: Price, Jode, Redman, Christopher, Gwynne, Gage.

Referee: Tony Roberts (North Midlands).