The Ross-on-Wye Badgers played their final league match of the season at home in the beautiful surroundings of Monmouth Girls School against a very skilful side from Cheltenham.

It has been just over a month since their last match and at times this long absence showed and the final result was a 1-1 draw.

This shouldn’t however detract from their fantastic first season playing in the Gloucestershire Badgers League – played 16, won 14, drawn 1 and lost 1. These statistics speak for themselves.

There was certainly an abundance of enthusiasm and desire from all in the team. Elliot Smith in goal was brave and decisive and he was supported by the defensive line of Laura Benjamin, Amelia Adamson, Amie Jenkins and Elysia Williams-Tettey, who whilst collectively at times wobbled, never capitulated. Having said that, the Cheltenham goal came from a superbly struck short corner routine that the senior team would have struggled to prevent.

The midfield of Archie O-Brock, Freddie O-Brock, Beth Randall, Freddie Talbot, and Luke Watts were industrious throughout and individually showed great skill.

Up front in attack Carys Williams, Rozzie Brown, Ben Topping, Joseph Henry and Ella Burton seemed to prosper for only brief moments.

It could be argued that the sparsity of quality ball let them down. But fortunately the one shining highlight was Joseph’s superbly taken shot that resulted in an exquisite goal that he’s sure to savour for some time.

Captain for the day Amelia Adamson decided that the South Hereford Motorcaravans player of the match award should go Elysia Williams-Tettey for making her presence felt to such good effect in defence.

The next scheduled match is away on August 5th, at the Olympic Park in London, when the team will be taking on both East London and Walthamstow Hockey Clubs.

Before then, training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings from 7pm.

Anybody interested in playing is welcome to attend, whatever your age or ability.