After a three week Christmas break, you may have forgiven the players if they were slightly undercooked, however both sides last Saturday provided a titantic top of the table battle full of huge hits, skill and 100% commitment.

It was Ross who edged a close encounter to retain a top spot score 27-14 against Cirencester. The Cirencester side were the last and only side to beat Ross in the league way back in September, so Ross came knowing what it would take to beat the home team.

The Ross side took an early lead with a Thai Hayward penalty, but this was a false dawn as the visitors were the better side for the first half.

They spent too much time in the Ross’ twenty two, and although the Ross defence worked hard, they could not hold out. Two tries either side of the end of the first quarter saw the visitors take a 14-3 lead, and Thai Hayward closed the gap with another penalty. It looked like Ross would go into the break 14-6 down.

However, the visitors infringed in the last minute of the half when Thai Hayward put Ross deep in the visitors’ twenty two and a beautifully worked lineout move saw Josh Element crash over to score.

Thai then put the icing on the cake with a touchline conversion and Ross went in at the break 14-13 down.

The late first half score definitely changed the course of the game. Whilst both sides threw everything they had into both defence and attack, it was the Ross team after the break that were edging the possession and territory battle.

Their defence got tighter and the visitors could not find a way through. At the end of the third quarter, Ross broke the second half stalemate with Dan Field crashing over to score and Thai converted, resulting in the strong Ross side leading 20-14 ahead.

However, the game was still in the balance. A converted try by the visitors would see them retake the lead.

The game was a tense nail biter, and as the match went into the last ten minutes the visitors had to take more risks to find that score.

A loose pass in midfield saw Ross pounce, hacking the ball into the Cirencester twenty two, Casey Morgan won the foot race controlling the ball deftly with his feet before diving over to score.

Thai once again converted and Ross were 27-14 ahead with only minutes left on the clock. The team comfortably saw out the last few minutes to seal another win in what was a great game.

Credit is given to both sides who played a nail biting and tough match.

The GMP Software Man of the match was Dan Field who always got Ross over the gain line in midfield and for a great try.

On Saturday, January 12th, Ross are playing away to Dursley. It will be a 2.30pm kick off.