ROSS Juniors U12s faced a tough task last Sunday when they welcomed a Ludlow side who had won all their games so far this season.

But, just 5 minutes into the game, the home side had taken the lead with a slick team move. Jake H started it off as he played in Harvey down the left, with a defence splitting pass. Tom was on hand to prod the ball home when Harvey’s initial shot was saved by the Ludlow keeper.

Ross then went agonisingly close to doubling their lead minutes later, when Harvey’s cross was met by Tom, but the Ludlow keeper somehow tipped the ball around the post.

There were few clear chances for either team for the remainder of the half as both defences dominated their opponents. Ross had Jake T, Josh and Bill to thank for that.

In the Ross goal, Roo didn’t have a single shot to save in the first half, but he played like a sweeper for any balls that were played behind his defence.

Julien did go close to scoring for the home side when he ran on to Harvey’s in-swinging corner, but his shot just cleared the bar.

Ludlow equalised early in the 2nd half with, what turned out to be, their only real clear chance of the entire match, but they did have the better of the 2nd half as Ross struggled to find any fluency going forward.

The game finished in a draw but Ross almost grabbed a late winner when Harvey’s ball into the penalty area struck the crossbar with the keeper stranded. In the follow up, Ross also struck the post as Ethan and Jayden searched for the winner.

Harvey had a great game but with both defences on top, the Saltrock Scaffolding ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Jake Talbot with some great tackling and interceptions.