Crossword Genius

Backs small gulls (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sterns

'backs' is the definition.
(I know this)

'small gulls' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'gulls' becomes 'terns' (I've seen this in another clue).
's'+'terns'='STERNS'

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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