A TRY from flanker Gavin Oates was not enough for Ross, who slipped to a 10-5 defeat against Old Yardleians in the North Midlands Vase final.

Ross, winners of the Vase in 2008 and 2009, trailed 10-0 at the interval but hit back in the wind and rain at Dudley Kingswinford.

Winger Craig Smith almost scored a last-gasp try for Ross after a break from deep but the Yardleians full-back made a trysaving tackle 10 metres out.

Strong defensive work from Casey Morgan, Chris Thomas and Oates prevented Yardleians gaining ground for most of the match.

Chay Brine delivered some big hits knocking back the Yardleians’ runners.

And Billy Hambling-Smith and Dan Field made good ground whenever they got their hands on the ball.

Centre Laurence Edwards scored Yardleians’ only try in the first-half, while Steve Goode added the conversion to go with an earlier penalty.

Ross will hold their annual awards in a black-tie affair at the Mighty Eight on May 25.

Luctonians, meanwhile, brought down the curtain on their National League Two North season with a 57-21 defeat in a 12- try thriller at Preston Grasshoppers.

Preston stormed into an early 21-0 advantage with converted tries from Adam Birchall, Lewis Allen and Killian Wallace But Luctonians hit back with tries from Nathan Roy-Smith after a strong run from winger Alex Rumsey, and Paul Hulland.

John Morris converted both from the touchline before Preston raised their game at the start of the second-half and Birchall bagged his hat-trick.

Flanker Ben James then crossed, with Morris converting, but Geraint Langdon and replacement Kieran Pinches were sent to the bin in quick succession.

Preston made their numerical advantage count and eased away with further tries from Birchall, Ollie Farley, Karl Fitzpatrick and Chris Gale.

Farley converted three tries.

Although they never gave up, Luctonians could not score a fourth try which would have given them a well-deserved bonus point.