Ross Junior Mixed Badger Hockey Team had a very early start on Saturday morning when they travelled away to local rivals Newent for their latest fixture.

They began 2016 where they left off in 2015; with another thumping victory.

For once there was a clear blue sky above, but this only resulted in a half-frozen pitch. The morning was in fact so cold it was possible to feel icicles forming beneath your eyelids, but the manner and style of the win warmed their supporters’ cockles as effectively as any bonfire.

Where the previous week they served the hors d’oeuvre in a friendly against Ross Ladies, this time Ross Badgers provided a main course that managed to leave you both satisfied and hungry for more.

Newent actually started the brighter and took control of the opening exchanges, but it wasn’t long before the mid-field triumvirate of Archie Oubridge-Brock, Rory Calderwood and Freddie Oubridge-Brock wrestled the advantage away from them. This allowed forwards Carys Williams, Ben Topping, Freddie Talbot and Rozzie Brown to run loose and pressurise the Newent goal.

Newent were always dangerous whilst in possession, but the few times they managed to break-free of their half, they found Dan Mills marshalling the brick wall of a defensive line made up of Laura Samuels, Amie Jenkins, Laura Benjamin and Amelia Adamson. Elysia Williams-Tettey managed a particularly defensive attitude to ensure nothing got past her.

Captain for the day, Rory Calderwood decided that the award for South Hereford Motorcaravans player of the week should go to Elliot Smith, who started his first game for Ross in goal and showed what an emerging talent he is.

Next week Ross have an 11am start at Monmouth School Sports Club against a young Gloucester team who showed great promise back in October. 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.