TOO little too late, summed up a stuttering performance from Ross, who have yet to find top form or play to their full potential this season.

This was another classic example. Leading at half-time and finishing strongly, the Wyesiders produced a typically dreadful quarter of an hour during which time they leaked two tries and two penalty goals to go from 7 - 3 up to 7 - 23 down!

The last quarter saw Ross back on top and they produced some excellent rugby, scoring two super tries. But it was not enough and the six point gap probably reflected the Bristol team's ability to make best use of their chances. It leaves Ross with just three wins from 10 league games and to reflect on several close results.

An off-side decision enabled Frampton Cotterell to kick an early penalty goal, but Ross grabbed the initiative following a midfield turn-over. The ball was swiftly moved left to Luke Gray who sliced through a gap. Tackled 10 yards short, he had the presence of mind to offload to winger Craig Creed who cantered in for a try converted by James Hughes.

The dreadful third quarter catastrophe put Ross on the back foot, but with 20 minutes to go they at last began to find form and play with conviction. Slick passing by Chay Brine and Bas Parker set up Huw Bellamy for a great try and the scene was set for a grandstand finish.

But the Wyesiders had left themselves with too much to do and managed only a last minute try by Adam Clements.

The Field Fayre 'Man-of-the-Match' award went to Ross's TC Leech for his great defensive work.