Both sides were well clear of the chasing pack before kick off, so this was the game that would decide who wins the league.

Ross were nine points clear but a Smiths win could have put them within four points of Ross, however after a titantic tussle, Ross held their nerve and two scores in the fourth quarter saw them comfortably home 23-14.

Ross took the game to the hosts from the off, playing with intensity and tempo they quickly established territory in the Smiths half. With Smiths lineout malfunctioning, Ross were able to exert considerable pressure in the first quarter and as a result they took the lead, with a Thai Hayward penalty after 15 minutes, to go 3-0 ahead.

With both scrum and lineout going well, Ross enjoyed plenty of possession in the Smiths twenty two and eventually the first try came. After securing a quality lineout ball, Ross drove the ball deep into the Smiths twenty two.

Some brave defence by Smiths initially kept Ross at bay but eventually the hosts’ defensive wall broke, and Prop Johnnie Baynham crashed over to score, moving them ahead 8-0.

Ross’ domination continued into the second quarter, but against the run of play Smiths hit back with their winger intercepting a Ross pass deep in his own twenty two and then running 80 metres to score, which saw Smiths close the gap to 8-7 at the break.

Smiths took the lead early in the second half as their lock forward crashed over after some direct approach play from their pack. The conversion was successful and Smiths were 14-8 ahead.

Ross knew they had to dig deep and they did. They wrestled control of the game from Smiths and slowly they established possession, then territory, and as the game entered the final quarter, Ross added another Thai penalty to close the gap to 14-11.

Then Ross took the lead, as Johnnie Baynham, like a human pinball, bounced off two tackles before crossing for his second try, putting Ross 16-14 ahead with ten minutes remaining.

The game was still in the balance, but Ross were able to control possession and as a result, territory, and with five minutes remaining number 8, Gavin Oates, crashed over to score. Thai added the two and Ross saw the game out to win 23-14.

With three games remaining, they are 13 points clear at the top. A win against Aretians on Saturday, April 7th, will see them crowned league champions, so please come down and show your support. A 3pm kick off at Greytree.