Ross Hockey Club's 2nd X1 played Stroud B in a Hereford & Gloucester Division 2 match at Monmouth, sponsored by N4 Financial Solutions. This marked the start of the second half of the season; Ross won the away fixture, the first of the season, 2 - 1.

Stroud turned up with a full compliment of players but no goalie. Unable to persuade anyone to fill the breach they elected to start with 11 out-field players. This unusual formation combined with the late withdrawal of two of the Ross strike force, required to play for the 1st X1, seemed to unsettle Ross.

From the start Stroud passed and moved at pace, causing the Ross defence of Greg Weston, Tony Faulkner, Ed Peck and Nick Bicknall to defend deep, and at times, desperately. However, tireless work from the midfield dynamos Adam Couch, Richard Stewart, Chris Chalk, who broke his toe in the call of duty, and James Adamson, helped to stem the onslaught.

At times the game resembled scenes from the "Alamo" more than a hockey match, with many fine saves being made by the last man left standing, goalkeeper Seb Sullivan.

The Ross forwards of Ben DaCuna, Gareth Bowen, Richard Stewart and the 'evergreen' Wilem Hagaan had few opportunities to impress and found it difficult to break through the Stroud defence, only managing to force one save during the first half.

It was Tony Faulkner who scored with the only other shot Ross had on goal, after a searing run from the heart of the Ross defence. This came very much against the run of play and heralded a rear guard action for the remainder of the game.

Stroud had numerous attacks and short corners, but failed to breach the Ross defence. To the relief of the "men in black" umpires Andy Cross and John Setchfield blew the full time whistle as the game drew to a tetchy climax and a 1-0 victory to the men from the Lone Star State.

Seb Sullivan was given the South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre Ltd 'man of the match' award for heroically keeping a clean sheet and being clearly the difference between the two teams.