Ross could not complete their league campaign with a win, losing to title winners Cryptians in a hard fought contest last Saturday.

Cryptians knew a win would crown them as champions, with Ross looking to exact revenge for a 20-11 loss to them earlier in the season. The game was played with pace, power and intensity, however both defences were also organised and committed snuffing out a try fest as both attacks moved the ball quickly and accurately, looking to create a scoreboard advantage. The Ross tight five yet again scrimmaged brilliantly against a bigger Cryptians pack and when Cryptians went wide with ball in hand the Ross outside backs dealt with the threat with great commitment and skill. The visitors did have the better territory and they used this to their advantage, converting two kickable penalties, putting them 6-0 ahead.

As the second quarter came to a close Ross scored the opening try. Some good approach work by Casey Morgan set up a ruck just outside the Crypts twenty two. Craig Powell moved the ball right and some slick hands in midfield gave winger, Craig Smith a yard of space which he exploited to the full by diving over to score in the corner, seeing Ross in at half time 6-5 down.

The second half was a mirror of the first. Cryptians shaded territory but still both defences were magnificent. However as the game entered the final quarter, fresh legs in the forwards proved decisive for the visitors. A series of scrums in the Ross twenty two took their toll and two late scrum tries put a gloss on the scoreline, pushing Cryptians to a 18-5 lead. This was enough to give Cryptians the win and the league title, but this was a great advertisement for Glos rugby, two teams playing with commitment and skill. Ross have kept their commitment to youth with half of the team under twenty one on Saturday. This has been an up and down season on the pitch, but both senior men's teams have unearthered some great new talent.

All at Ross Rugby would like to offer a big thanks to sponsors, volunteers and supporters for their commitment to the club.

There is still Combination cup games to play and Ross 2nds are at home to Bream on Thursday April 24th 6.30pm kick off. The Hagesud Bosse man of the match was Chris Thomas, who had a great game in both attack and defence.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.