ROSS Sutherland ground out a victory over Banff in difficult conditions to get their league campaign back on track.
Ross were delighted to welcome back some key players to the fold in Stu Mack and vice-captain Ali Kennedy, who was making his first appearance of the season at stand-off.
The match started with both teams struggling to keep the ball in hand, the weather playing its part early on. It was going to be a day for the forwards. Ross did start to produce some phases together and good territory forced Banff into conceding a penalty. Ross elected to kick and Johnny Mann put the home side into a 3-0 lead.
Banff then started to produce but Ross soaked up the pressure, putting in some big hits. The scrums were swinging in the home side's favour, with Ross putting the Banff forwards to the test.
A little bit of magic from Ali Kennedy paved the way for Ross's first and only try of the afternoon. Kennedy found some space in midfield, and beat two Banff defenders, showing an excellent turn of pace to go in under the posts for a well deserved try. Johnny Mann had an easy conversion to put the Stags into a 10-0 lead as the half drew to a close.
Banff began the second half the brighter of the two with their forwards starting to get a grip. This subsequently resulted in a try in the corner to bring Banff back into the match at 10-5, as the conversion was missed. That's how the match ended, the rain damping any opportunity for attractive rugby to be played.
Ross coach Rob Parkes said after the match, "It was always going to be a difficult day, given the conditions, but I was glad to see how well we fronted up in defence. The ball was greasy and difficult to keep in hand. We got the result and that was obviously the most important thing. There are certain areas that need to be addressed, but that's what training is for, and we shall get it sorted for next week."
l Ross Sutherland have a home game against Garioch on Saturday, kick off at 3pm. It is also the first ladies day at the club, with a pamper afternoon taking place in the club house between noon and 3pm.
Tickets cost £20 and include a number of beauty treatments including hair styling, nails and eye treatments, courtesy of Boomerang Hair and Beauty Salon, Invergordon and Just Beauty, Alness.
This is an opportunity to get spoiled and have some fun whilst also supporting the club or just to prepare for a Saturday night out! For further info contact Mae Ross on 07540403811 or David Kennedy on 07771902030 or visit the Ross website: www.ross-sutherland.com
