Cross tries give Borders rare win

Borders 22 Neath/Swansea Ospreys 16

Geoff Cross snatched two tries at Netherdale tonight to provide the platform for a rare Borders triumph.

Victory over the Ospreys gives home coach Tony Gilbert the opportunity to use the much-needed points as a springbord to leap away from the Celtic League basement.

The Welshmen looked the hungrier outfit in the opening session and deservedly broke the deadlock with a try in the 14th minute.

They mounted a strong pack drive after a line-out, leaving flanker Gavin Thomas to power over with Gavin Henson slotting the conversion.

Borders responded in positive fashion. Lock Colin Stewart embarked on the initial charge to set up a fine touchdown by Cross in the 32nd minute.

Gareth Morton made amends for an earlier penalty miss by adding the extras - only to see Henson edging his side in front with a penalty just before the break.

Morton burst back into the spotlight to grab the second Borders try after a surge by Chris Cusiter.

Ospreys rallied with a further Henson penalty and a snap drop-goal from Shaun Connor.

But Borders reclaimed the initiative when Cross completed his double, Clark Laidlaw adding the conversion – and slotting a last-gasp penalty to make sure of the win.