As the Herefordshire League continues, Ross took on local rivals Monmouth at the Park on Tuesday July 12th. The Element twins opened the batting and enjoyed different fortunes: Ben retiring for 31 and Josh returning run-less. However, after the break, he gained revenge with an outstanding caught and bowled to go with two other cleaned bowled victims for just 16 runs. Henry Mayell (retired 31) helped Ben rebuild the innings from 21 for 2 off 7 tidy opening overs, making the most of the second line bowlers. 111 for 2 off the full quota was less than had been hoped for but had provided a good opportunity for some of the less experienced Ross batsmen to spend time in the middle. It was good to see Konrad Hohendorf clip the final ball of the innings to the leg side boundary for 4.

Marcus Ballinger could not have started Ross'defence any better, as his first ball clattered into the stumps. He also removed the dangerous Hamilton in a similar style. Only Williams (28) provided any other real resistance as the target was never seriously challenged with Toby Hiram and Harri John proving difficult to score off. Young Oli Lawson took his first wicket courtesy of a one-handed overhead catch from Ballinger as the visitors closed 10 runs short of their target. Both sides showed some excellent skills in the field with a number of brave, clean and effective stops from some well-hit strokes.

After last week's defeat in the dark, Ross will have to depend on the results of others if they are to challenge again for the league title. However, this weekend's Cup knockout against the champions of Warwickshire will be an interesting opportunity to monitor the strength of Herefordshire cricket.