ROSS-ON-WYE are just two points off the top of the Gloucester 2 league table following an excellent 10-7 win against fellow high-fliers Spartans (Gloucester).

Watched by a large crowd at Greytree, both teams showed great intensity, with Ross' defence holding firm.

The home team took took the lead after a ruck in midfield 40 yards from the line.

Fly-half Ben Element cut through the defence and was fielded by the retreating Spartans winger.

But with Josh Morgan, Ali Rees and Josh Element there in support, Ross secured the turnover, leading to Dave Green driving within a yard of the line.

Alleem finished the job to put Ross 5-0 up, with Craig Powell calmly adding the conversion.

For the remainder of the half, both sides continued to test themselves physically, however the Ross defender kept Spartans away from their 22 and went into the break 10-0 thanks to another penalty from Powell.

Ross began to fall the wrong side of the referee's whistle in the second half and Spartans were able to camp themselves in their opponents' half.

Some great last-ditch tackling from Sam Griffiths, Billy Hambling and Josh Morgan kept Spartans from scoring, but were awarded a penalty try following a ruck.

The conversion was successfully slotted over, but Ross comfortably held out for the final fine minutes to register a crucial win.

Ross, who are through to the semi-finals of the North Midlands Vase after beating Telford Hornets, next travel to Old Colstonians on November 7.