Early on Saturday morning, Rosson-Wye’s Junior Mixed Badger Hockey Team travelled to Gloucester for their latest fixture and claimed another victory to continue undefeated for this season.

Whilst the rain at least held off for this particular match, it was still necessary to overcome the fierce winds of storm ‘Desmond’ almost as much as the opposition.

There was speculation on the side-line as to whether some government agency, in league with a wind turbine generating company, had somehow had a hand in the siting of hockey pitches across the three counties as some form of cruel experiment?

From the start, Gloucester began with fire and fury, pinching the ball with light-fingered larceny and steaming into tackles with relish.

Before Ross had found their feet, it looked like Gloucester would take the lead, producing wonderful hockey; red shirts slicing through the thin black line. Had the ball rebounded kindly from the outstretched pads of Martin Watts in goal, it might have been a different match.

Instead, as Ross’ confidence grew they slowly took control and Gloucester errors, alongside indiscipline, finished them as an effective unit.

It was now the turn of Ross to seize the initiative. Matthew Brown and Luke Watts anchored the midfield to allow Archie and Freddie Oubridge-Brock to roam freely, linking up with forwards Joseph Henry and Ben Topping.

Out wide, Beth Randall and Elysia Williams-Tettey stretched the Gloucester defence, but it was Carys Williams in front of goal that impressed most with the consummate ease of her finishing.

However, nothing must be taken away from the defensive line of Laura Benjamin, Laura Samuels, Amelia Adamson and Amie Jenkins for withstanding the initial onslaught and keeping their cool whilst others lost theirs.

Captain for the day, Ben Topping decided that the award for South Hereford Motorcaravans player of the week should go to Carys Williams, for her dazzling contribution in front of goal.

Next Week, Ross are at home against Wooton-under-Edge with an 11am start at Monmouth Boys School Sports Club.

Training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings - commencing at 7pm. Anybody who is interested in playing is welcome to attend, whatever your ability.