Ross-on-Wye Junior Mixed Badger Hockey Team travelled away to Bourton-on-the-Water for their latest fixture against Sherbourne, on Saturday, November 28th, and claimed another victory to remain undefeated for the season to date.

The weather has become a rather boring cliché these past couple of months, with squally wind and driving rain yet again affecting the entire match. However despite this encumbrance, Ross played like a whirlwind that the opposition just couldn’t contain.

This was not a faultless performance. For starters, coach Pete Jenkins was without a recognised keeper, so he reverted to a tactic used earlier in the season of fielding eleven outfield players.

This places a great deal of responsibility on the defence, with the certain knowledge that the slightest mistake will lead to a goal. However, for a squad playing only their first season in this league, they’ve become streetwise very quickly.

What was impressive throughout was the obvious camaraderie. Ross played for over an hour as a team, tracking back and pushing forward in units. Tactics rehearsed on the training ground were executed and whilst not always successful, showed intent from which lessons were learnt.

Amie Jenkins’ goal from a short corner routine was like a lightning bolt. Twins, Freddie and Archie Oubridge-Brock’s command of midfield, along with Beth Randall, was the rock on which everything sprang. Ben Topping, Rozzie Brown and Freddie Talbot were terriers leaping forward at every opportunity. And Carys Williams’ final touch in front of goal was exquisite. But we shall end as we started with the defence; Amelia Adamson, Laura Benjamin, Laura Samuels, Elysia Williams-Tettey and Amie Jenkins repeatedly held out against frequent onslaughts and from such assuredness, victory was guaranteed.

Captain for the day Archie Oubridge-Brock decided that this week’s South Hereford Motorcaravans player of the week should be awarded jointly to Amelia Adamson and Amie Jenkins for their resilience in defence.

This weekend Ross are away again, against Gloucester City, with an early 11am start at Plock Court Tennis Centre. Before then, training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings - commencing at 7pm. Anybody interested in playing is welcome to attend, whatever your ability.