Bristol Saracens 13 Ross on Wye 19
Ross RFC firsts notched up their second win on the road in consecutive weekends to pull further away from the relegation zone in Gloucester Premier League, and almost guaranteed their involvement in this league next season.
Another physical performance up front did the damage, with the Ross pack far more aggressive in the tackle and at the breakdown. This disrupted Saracens and it was from the constant pressure that Ross were able to convert two penalties by scrum-half James Hughes to lead 6 - 3 at half time.
At this level though you cannot take your foot off the peddle, especially away from home. Ross did that early in the second half and as a result they conceded two early tries which put Saracens 13 - 6 ahead midway through the half. With the slope in their favour it looked as if Saracens would run away with an easy victory. However, once again the Ross pack dug in, and through clarity of purpose began to impose themselves on the Saracens eight.
As a result of this physical dominance, Saracens spilled the ball in midfield. Huw Bellamy quickly gathered possession and some quick hands by the Ross backs sent winger Casey Morgan clear. He outpaced the covering defence to score in the top right hand corner. This narrowed the score margin with Ross 13 - 11 behind.
The last quarter of the game belonged to Ross as they continued to win the physical battle. James Hughes added another penalty to put Ross 14 - 13 ahead. Then Casey Morgan added his second try.
Another turnover in midfield was pounced upon by loose head prop Tara Barnett. He decided with 60 metres to run, it was best to let winger Casey Morgan do all the running. Casey obliged, outpacing the Saracens' winger to score in the corner. Saracens rallied in the dying minutes but the Ross defence held firm to register their seventh win of the season.
The Walford Timber man of the match was captain Gavin Oates for another tireless display in defence. Ross are home on Saturday, March 13th, against Old Richians with a 2.30pm kick-off.