Ross bagged their first league win this season on the road with a last minute Ben Element try seeing them across the line with a 17-12 victory.

The first quarter was dominated by the hosts, they retained possession of the ball well and were able to exert continued pressure on the Ross defence but they could not find a way through a well marshalled Ross defence.

By the end of the first quarter the game was still scoreless and as Ross began to get a grip on the game they were able to open the scoring with Ben Element finishing off a series of pick and drives from the Ross pack.

Thai Hayward could not add the two, but Ross found themselves 5-0 up after 30 minutes. Their lead, however, did not last long as the hosts, after some more sustained pressure, finally found a chink in the Ross defence to score.

This was converted, and at the break Ross were behind 7-5. Both sides had their share of territory and possession in the third quarter, but it was the Ross pack who were able to deliver some dents in the hosts’ defence with their strong and direct running with ball in hand.

It was from a series of strong surges that led Gavin Oates crashing over to put Ross ahead. Matt King added the two and Ross were 12-7 ahead, just as in the first half the hosts hit back at the end of the third quarter with a try and the game entered a nervy last quarter with the scores level at 12-12.

Both sides had time in their opponents’ twenty two, but it was Ross who were able to hold their nerve.

With just a minute left on the clock, scrum half, Ben Element, dived over from the base of a ruck a few metres from the line to give Ross the crucial winning score.

There was time for the restart, but this was secured by Ross, and they kicked the ball out of play to secure the win 17-12.

It was difficult to pick a man of the match, as the win was secured by a strong performance from the Ross pack. The Bosse interspices man of the match goes to the Ross forward pack.

Ross’ next home match is October 20th, which will be a 3pm kick off against unbeaten Old Colstonians from Bristol.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.