Ross had to dig deep in Bristol last Saturday to eventually wear down a spirited Broad Plain side, winning 31 - 0 in appalling weather.

They ran in four second-half tries to secure another bonus point win, and with promotion rivals, Smiths, losing 13-12 in Bristol, Ross extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points.

The scoreline might indicate an easy victory but the first half was dominated by the hosts as Ross gave away too many penalties, enabling Broad Plain to pin Ross back in their own half for most of the first period.

The Ross defence however, held firm, with Luke Ward, Louise Morgan and Casey Morgan, time after time scything down the Broad Plain runners. For all their possession, they never really looked like scoring, and it was from a rare incursion into the Broad Plain half that saw Ross take the lead.

The tight five delivered solid ball from the scrum and number eight, Gavin Oates, burst from the back, and before the Broad Plain back row could react, he was away and clear to score under the posts. Thai Hayward converted and Ross saw out the half 7-0 ahead.

Ross were far more professional and clinical after the break. They cut out the penalty infringements and were much improved in keeping hold of the ball.

With a steady stream of possession and territory, it was inevitable that the tries would come. After the hosts infringed, Matt King put Ross deep into the hosts’ twenty two, and from the lineout the Ross pack set up the driving maul. Broad Plain had no answer and Josh Element crashed over to score, putting Ross 12-0 ahead.

Within minutes captain, Casey Morgan, added another, again from a well constructed driving maul. Thai added the two and Ross were 19-0 clear.

The bonus point try came as the game entered the last quarter. The hosts knocked on, then on half way Ben Element reacted to claim the ball, moving it quickly right. Quick hands from AJ and Dan Field put Gavin Oates clear, and his touchline run saw him score in the corner putting Ross 24-0 ahead.

Just before full time, scrum half replacement, Marcus Barnard, added another, after a trademark mazy run saw him tip toe through the Broad Plain defence to score. Thai added the two and Ross were home and dry 31-0 winners.

This Saturday, February 3rd Ross are at home, a 2.30pm kick off. Everyone is welcome to support the local team at Greytree.