Ross-on-Wye 1 - Bourton and Sherborne 3

It was a frustrating day on Saturday for Ross Ladies Hockey. Ross Ladies knew that their game against Bourton and Sherborne 2nds was going to be a tough one as they faced, and played, each other last season.

It was an unfortunate result for Ross with Bourton and Sherborne winning the match 3-1, and even more disappointing because Ross had a goal disallowed.

Ross started the game well with Jess Element scoring the first goal. It was so close to becoming two with Bronwyn Russell getting in on the back post during a short corner. Everyone held their breath but unfortunately the Bourton and Sherborne defender got her stick to the ball just in time.

Sophie Rushe had good ball control creating some good counterattacks but to no avail. Liese Brady and Kath Taylor-Jessup worked hard in defence, channelling their attackers out wide with both Ange Williams and Rebecca Heyes maintaining their positions and holding central defence.

Kate Williams worked incredibly hard as goalkeeper, pulling off some spectacular saves with no fear as she threw herself at the ball. However, Bourton and Sherborne came back fighting after the first goal and scored two goals during the first half leaving the score 2-1 at half time.

In the second half Ross pulled their socks up and kept attacking, with Hollie Dawson providing good width and making side line runs with the ball, with Erika Rees for support. During the entire game Kim Calland and Jess Element worked tirelessly in midfield, constantly returning to defend their own half and making the runs and creating space when attacking.

Jess Element suffered a blow to the face during the second half but after only taking a few minutes off the pitch she was ready to come back on and continued playing with a swollen lip.

In defence, Holly Belcher continued to clear the ball but unfortunately for Ross, Bourton and Sherborne were able to score a third goal. Shortly after Kim Calland scored a goal for Ross which was disallowed leaving the final score at 3-1.

However, this has not dampened the team spirit and they are raring to go again on Saturday and hopeful that they will go back to their winning ways.

Player of the match went to Holly Belcher for fighting hard in defence.