A couple of late player drop outs on Saturday morning did not derail a committed Ross XV as they outplayed the home side to win a thrilling encounter in Bristol last Saturday. The harder pitches definitely suit this talented Ross side, with the heavy winter surfaces now a distant memory.

Ross played with tempo and skill to register a five try bonus point win against a dogged Aretians outfit, who did all they could to move this encounter into a set piece forward battle. However, Ross held their nerve and kept to the game plan to play with tempo and pace and were deserved winners as Craig Powell converted a late penalty to secure the win 36-34.

It was Aretians who were first on the score board with an early converted score. But it did not take long for Ross to prise open the home defence. The midfield axis of Craig Smith, Gareth Holdsworth and Dan Field were a constant threat all game and both Dan and Craig were on the score sheet to put Ross 14-7 ahead halfway through the first half.

The Ross defence were copjng well with the home side attack but it was penalties that let Aretians back in the game. If they were in range, then the home side's ten hit the target, if out of range then they were able to set up a potent driving maul from the lineout that brought them two of their three scores. At the break Ross held a slender 21-20 lead and it was game on.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.