Table toppers Spartans’ unbeaten run was brought to an end on Saturday as Ross battled to a deserved 10-7 win, cementing themselves in the top three, and as potential promotion candidates.

Games between these two teams are usually tough, feisty encounters and the large crowd was not disappointed. Both sides went about their business with thunderous intensity, and as has been the norm this season, the Ross defence held firm.

On the few occasions the Spartans’ blindside attacks gained them crucial yardage the cover defence of Jordan Marshal, Billy Hambling and Josh Morgan snuffed out any idea that the away team had of taking the lead.

When Ross began to put together a run of phases they got themselves over the gainline bringing their runners into play. With Captain, Casey Morgan, Gavin Oates and Alleem to the fore, eventually the opening score came, from a ruck midfield.

Flyhalf Ben Element cut through the defence, his grubber kick into the twenty two was initially fielded by the retreating Spartans’ winger but with Josh Morgan, Ali Rees and Josh Element there in support, they secured the turnover.

Dave Green drove within a yard of the line and Alleem finished the job, crashing over to open the scoring. Craig Powell calmly added the conversion and Ross were 7-0 ahead.

The remainder of the game was much the same as Ross built up a winning score.The W James Welding Man of the Match was a joint affair with both Alleem and Gavin Oates taking the plaudits for their physicality which went someway to blunting the Spartans' game.