Ross battled hard at unbeaten Spartans on Saturday showing courage in defence and ambition in attack. However, the conditions and heavy pitch favoured the bigger home pack and a last minute try snatched what would have been a well earned bonus point and Spartans won 19-6.

The rain and heavy pitch took their toll as both sides struggled to control the ball. As a result defences dominated as both sides were strong in the tackle with the Ross back row of Alex Bound, Casey Morgan and Gavin Oates delivering a huge tackle count in the first half including five turnovers.

It was the boot that dominated the first half as Chris Gage put Ross 3-0 ahead but two Spartans penalties then put them 6-3 ahead as the half drew to a close. From a Casey Morgan turnover, Ross moved the ball quickly left. Chris Gage popped a great pass to Craig Smith and he outpaced the cover defence to score in the corner. But under pressure from the home side, the referee dithered and cancelled the score out giving Ross a scrum instead. This decision cost Ross an half time lead.

With the heavier pack Spartans started to make the most of the heavy conditions keeping the ball close to rucks and mauls. The Ross defensive effort did not weaken and it was left to both kickers to move the score 12-6 to the home side. As the clock ticked down Ross looked for the score that would snatch victory. Craig Smith and Dan Field in midfield looked dangerous with ball in hand but they could not find that scoring pass and in the last play of the game Ross were cruelly denied a losing bonus point as Spartans crashed over to score giving them a 19-6 victory.

The Hagesud Bosse man of the match was Craig Smith, who was threatening in attack, sound in defence and was denied a legitimate try by a poor refereeing decision.

Officials and players wish supporters and sponsors a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Ross are back in league action home on Saturday January 5th for a 2.30pm kick off at Greytree.

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