Ross Sutherland 19? Moray RFC 0
ROSS-Sutherland were in emphatic form as they pulled off one of their performances of the season, beating a tough Moray side to remain on top of RBS Caledonia Regional League Division 2 North.
Ross had to pull off a result if they were to keep their title ambitions alive and they did not disappoint.
The Invergordon-based side put their stamp on the game early, looking comfortable in possession, the forwards working well to control the break-down area. It was a tense affair in the opening exchanges: although Ross were in control they failed to turn territorial advantage into points, as Moray's defence worked well.
The scrum was working well for Ross and a key feature in their eventual victory as the Stags pack turned the screw up front, winning many against the head to pile pressure on Moray. It was this dominance in the scrum that helped set up the first try.
The ball was won at the scrum and given to Mike Gordon on the wing.
He found fly-half Ali Kennedy, who then released flanker Scott Munro, who powered over for the first try of the afternoon. Johnny Mann failed to convert but Ross went 5-0 up.
Ross were working hard in defence, with stand-out performances from centre partnership Ruaridh Danahar and Kris Thomas. The two men put in some huge hits in midfield all afternoon, soaking up the pressure from the Moray backs.
The second half got under way with Ross asserting their dominance from the start.
The forwards secured good balls at the break down, with some notable carries from captain for the day Ruaridh Waugh. Ross were spending much of the half in the Moray half, but failing to break the line. They were awarded a penalty, but Mann was unlucky from 35 yards out, hitting the post to keep the score at 5-0.
Ross did eventually break down the stubborn Elgin side, Ali Kennedy putting through a grubber kick which was latched onto by Danahar, who touched down for the try. Stu Mack took over kicking duties and slotted the conversion to put Ross into a 12-0 lead.
Ross were playing some excellent stuff, with full back Gareth Braddick looking comfortable under the high ball gathering and hitting it straight back up.
The Stags opted to keep the ball in hand and looked good for the win as full time approached. Stu Mack, coming back into the side after injury, was able to put his stamp on the match in the final moments, chipping through for flying winger Mike Gordon to gather and go in under the posts. Mack converted to leave the score at 19-0 and bringing the match to a close. Kris Thomas claiming man-of-the-match for his exceptional performance at centre.
Speaking after the match, coach Rob Parkes said, "It was a simply a fantastic performance, it is so satisfying as a coach when the guys put into practice what we trained to do during the week. Obviously there were some outstanding individual performances, but as a team we looked solid in defence and controlled in possession. I am delighted for lads and I hope we can continue on this run."
Ross Sutherland Douglas Ross; Murray Kennedy; David Edes; Ali Ansbro; Jack; Scott Munro; Ruaridh Waugh; Ken Mackenzie; Johnny Mann; Alastair Kennedy; Stuart Mack; Ruaridh Danahar; Kris Thomas; Mike Gordon ; Gareth Braddick.
Ross take a break from league action this weekend as they are at home in the quarterfinal of the RBS regional bowl competition to Carnoustie HSFP kick-off is at 2pm at the Naval Grounds Invergordon.
