Ross 2nds were below par on Saturday but still scraped a 21-19 victory away to their nearest rivals, Smiths 2nds.

Within 10 minutes Ross scored through centre Chay Brine, which Craig Powell converted, but after that Smiths edged the half scoring three tries, two of which were converted, taking them to a 19-7 lead at the interval.

Ross fought harder in the second half and got themselves back in the game when hooker, Sean Murphy, scored his first try for the club, forcing himself to within a metre of the line and reaching to place the ball over. Powell converted.

Ross brought on fresh legs with TC Leach and Kieran Smith, bringing much needed energy and directness to the game, and Ross finally started to string passages of play together.

The momentum was all one way now and fly-half, Huw Bellamy, found the smallest of gaps to cut through a go in under the sticks to level the scores. Powell then nudged over the extras to give Ross the win.

Ross are now nine points clear of Smiths with only three league games remaining, but still have a tricky fixture this Saturday at home to Tewkesbury 2nds, 3.00pm kick off.

The Drop Inn man of the match was Bas Parker playing at centre.