MATTHEW Redman said he was very honoured to captain Ross Rugby Club just days after popular player Ollie Floyd died.

Around 500 people watched Ross demolish Ashley Down Old Boys in a comprehensive 52-0 win that has boosted their promotion hopes from Gloucester 2 of the South West Division.

Redman said team coach coach Nick Rawlings, who is Ollie's father, was happy for the game to go ahead.

"As soon as that decision was made, we all got together on Thursday and made sure we had a good turnout for the game," said Redman.

"Standing next to the family and being captain was a great honour.

"Everyone down here knew Oliver and what a great person he was.

"There wasn't a bad word said about him.

"We are a team and a family and just stuck together on the day."

President Brian Harris said the club expected around 200 or 300 people to turn up, so was humbled when many more came through the gate.

"People just turned up, including people we didn't know," said Harris.

"Howle Hill FC actually put their kick-off back to 3pm so they could come down and paid tribute.

"It was an absolutely tremendous turn-out and shows what a caring club and town we have."

Harris said that Floyd was playing the best rugby of his life and starred in the team's 26-10 against Aretians – his last game for the club.

"He was a very lively lad who enjoyed life to the full and a very committed and passionate player.

"He hated it when he couldn't get things right."

"He was beginning to play the best rugby he had ever played and last week he played an outstanding game before he was taken away from us."

Huw Bellamy, who kicked over six out of eight conversions, said between 35 and 40 people met last Thursday to prepare for the game.

"That just shows what a popular guy he was and how much people wanted to play for him," said Bellamy.

"It shows what the club means to the community."

Ross dominated from the start and opened the scoring after just nine minuets when Casey Morgan touched down for a try.

Chay Brine then added another try eight minutes later, which Huw Bellamy converted.

Another try was scored after 25 minutes when Gavin Oates brilliantly weaved his way through the Ashley Down defence to crash over.

Bellamy again converted which put Ross 19-0 up.

It wasn't long until the supporters were cheering again after Morgan went over for his second try of the afternoon, which Bellamy again kicked over. Joe Brierley then got on the scoresheet shortly before half-time, but this time Bellamy failed to convert it.

The second half was a quieter affair, but Ross' commanding lead was never threatened.

Another try for the home side was scored on the 63rd minute by Tom Davis, converted by Bellamy, before he added another try five minutes from time. Bellamy again kicked it over to make it 47-0 to Ross.

There was still time for another try when Morgan set up Davis for his third try, which Bellamy brilliantly converted from a difficult angle.

Ross are now three points behind Bishopton in third place, with the top two teams earning promotion.

The two sides meet at Bishopton next Saturday, which realistically Ross cannot afford to lose.

Before then though, the Greytree side have a Forest Combination Cup against Lydney this weekend.

Their last home game of the season is against Bristol Aeroplane Company on March 28 before they finish their season with a trip to Broad Plain on April 18.