The atmosphere was tense at Ross Cricket Club on Monday 26th June, when local rivals Wormelow came to try to defend their unbeaten record in 2017’s Herefordshire U15 League.

Ross were very keen to win, having lost at Wormelow in the first fixture of the season, and elected to put the visitors into bat first and try to restrict the runs.

Wormelow openers, Jasper Lindley-Adams and Joe Jenkins, put on a fine partnership of 99 runs in the first 15 overs before Cameron Hill made the breakthrough, clean bowling Jenkins.

Hill bowled an excellent spell of 4-0-12-3, the only Ross bowler to take wickets, aided by a spectacular catch from Adam Parkes. Lindley-Adams retired not out on 51, including eight fours and a six, but Ross had kept the Wormelow score to a manageable 126.

Earlier in the day, John Kyrle Year 9s had won the Schools County Championship, helped by Adam Davies scoring an unbeaten 98, so it was no surprise that Adam scored three fours from the first over in reply to Wormelow.

Harry Friend, making his first appearance for Ross U15s this year, and Davies amassed 63 in ten overs, giving Ross a solid base in which to reach Wormelow’s total.

Friend was ultimately out for 43, but with Ethan Lerego adding a quick fire 15, Ross were almost over the line.

To the delight of all Ross supporters, and in particular stand-in coach Jack Donovan, the victory was complete with five balls to spare, leaving Wormelow, Brockhampton and Ross all level at the top of the league table. On Monday, Ross welcome Eastnor for their next fixture.