Ross are the only team to have defeated the Spartans this season, so travelled to Gloucester on Saturday knowing they were beatable. However, a cohesive and aggressive performance from the Spartans ensured they ran out deserved winners by 38-10.

The first quarter was scoreless; both sides worked hard with ball in hand, but both defences held firm. Spartans edged the territory and possession, and added in a number of penalties. They then used these advantages to score first with a well worked try that saw them score wide, out on the left.

The touchline conversion was added and Ross were 7-0 down when they entered the second quarter. Ross enjoyed a period of territory and possession, and a score here for Ross would have brought them back into the game. However, a spilt ball deep in the Spartans twenty two was pounced on by the home side and quick hands saw them quickly move into the Ross twenty two.

Jordan Marshal made what seemed like a legitimate tackle, dislodging the ball at the same time. The referee must have seen something, as he adjudged a penalty try and so against the run of play Spartans went 14-0 ahead.

Ross hit back and with the half coming to a close, took a penalty kick at goal to get onto the scoreboard. Marcus Balinger calmly stroked the ball between the posts taking them into half time 14-3 down.

The next score was now crucial to Ross, however they continued to fall foul of the referees’ whistle as another two Ross players were sin binned. Adding to the two in the first half, with only 13 players against them, Spartans took advantage, adding another two quick scores. This took them to 28-3 ahead.

Ross did not give up and quickly hit back. After some strong running from both Dave Green and Campbell, who set up a ruck just outside the twenty two, Ben Element moved the ball quickly to his captain Casey Morgan. He burst through the first tackle before side stepping the fullback to score. Marcus added the two and Ross were 28-10 down with fifteen minutes to go.

Spartans, however, snuffed out any hope of a Ross come back with another two late scores to see them home 38-10 winners.

The Bosse Interspices man of the match was Marcus Balinger, whose strong running helped to spark Ross into action. On Saturday Ross are away to Cotham Park in Bristol.