The first Saturday in March brought some welcome spring sunshine. Ross travelled to Bristol and on a firm pitch played some expansive rugby but a last gasp try by the home team denied Ross what would have been a well earned away win.

It was Ross who started the brightest, both Dan Field and Chay Brine found space in the midfield and only some great scrambled defence from the home side prevented an early score. Both teams looked to move the ball when in possession, taking advantage of the good conditions and it was Ross who were the first to take full advantage. A mazy break in midfield by Dan Field saw him beat four defenders. As he crossed the halfway line he delivered a well timed pass to centre partner Chay Brine who had more than enough pace to score under the posts. Craig Powell converted and Ross were 7-0 ahead. The remainder of the half was a backs against the wall defending for Ross as St Brendans, with the help of the referee's whistle, camped in the Ross half. Ross comfortably defended both their wide passing game and their tight pick and drive game. However a series of penalties saw the home team camp on the Ross five yard line. Initially they held out but the pressure told and the home team eventually crashed over to score.

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