Ross 2nd XI won their bout against Newent after sensationally coming back from three goals down.

This capped an amazing turn around, with Ross looking out of contention after being completely outclassed in the first 20 minutes by a very good Newent side in their Davis Wood Hockey League encounter on Saturday afternoon in Monmouth. And in a show of character they claimed another victory against their local rivals.

Team sports can't always be reduced to mathematics or columns on a spreadsheet. Whilst Ross' stats give every indication of the progression made over the past 12 months there may be other, less easily quantifiable forces at work.

For once, with his hands tied due to selection issues, Captain Andy Cross made a bold team selection when he pushed Tony Faulkner upfront and James Adamson out wide. It was a decision that back-fired in the worst possible fashion in a catastrophic first 20 minutes. Newent were two ahead inside the first ten minutes. Ross' lack of a holding midfield player allowed Newent to cut a swathe past the helpless defence of Edward Peck, Piers Tremlet, Gareth Hughes and Greg Weston.

The team's ill-fated selection looked even more of a failed gamble when Newent went three up before 20 minutes had passedt, only then did Andy act by pulling Tony back to his usual position as sweeper. From this moment Newent's embarrassing domination started to ebb and Ross were able to compete and push forward, although it still took a fine diving save by keeper George Goldsmith to stop Ross going four down, before his team mates launched an astonishing comeback. It began when Adamson threw Ross a lifeline just before the half time break with a thunderous shot that went in off the post (at the same time almost punching a hole in the back board), following a pin point pass from Chris Chalk.

Ross had barely settled down after the restart before Newent were awarded a penalty corner and this time the diving George was unable to prevent a fourth Newent goal. For once Ross simply brushed themselves down and took control of the remaining 30 minutes of the match.

Once again it was James Adamson who sparked the come back when he flicked the ball over the Newent keeper. Next Edward Goldsmith who struck the ball into the top of the net. It was left to Alistair Williamson to draw the scores level. Just past the hour and Alistair scored his brace. Ross were now ahead for the first time in the match.

Tony Faulkner was disappointed to have what could have been the goal of the season disallowed. There was still time for George to round off another excellent display with one final goal line clearance. When the final whistle blew moments later, it sparked wild scenes of celebration amongst their supporters.

Special thanks are extended to Kieran Brann for rising from his sick-bed. Disappointingly for his team mates, despite these heroics he was still unable to take the field.

Alistair Williamson just pipped James Adamson to the South Herefordshire Motorcaravans man of the match award.