On a glorious Sunday afternoon on October 8th, Ross Juniors U17s welcomed Ewyas Harold to the Ross Sports Centre.

The fine weather, and possibly the current buzz around the team, had brought out a great crowd (of 29 spectators and one dog) and they were soon all applauding (apart from the dog) as Myles fired in a 25 yard effort that gave the visiting goalkeeper no chance and put Ross 1 up.

Unfortunately the lead did not last long, but that did not dishearten the home side, as Jack and James B combined down the left to send in a great cross to the far post, which was inches away from giving Myles a simple tap in.

The match ebbed and flowed with neither team able to create a clear chance, until an innocuous clash in the Ross box resulted in a penalty kick, which Ewyas Harold converted.

The second half continued to be an even battle in the midfield, with Myles and Charlie making crucial tackles in the centre, and Lewis getting the better of his opponent on numerous occasions.

As the half wore on, the game opened up which suited the visitors as they kept playing-in their pacey striker, but William kept him quiet, and Harry made some vital interceptions.

As the home side tired in the heat, Ewyas Harold had two great chances to score, but Dan made outstanding blocks to deny them and kept Ross in the game.

The home side produced a great team move involving Myles, Brad, Jack and Coby, which the Ewyas Harold keeper managed to keep out, and then Charlie tried his luck from a distance, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Ewyas continued to create some good chances and soon took one of them to extend their lead but Ross kept going, with James D and Lewis showing great skill on the right, to cut through the visitor’s midfield, in search of a deserved goal.

A wishful ball over the Ross defence took a fortunate deflection which Ewyas Harold capitalised on to add another goal, despite Dan keeping out the initial effort, and they added a further goal soon after.

With minutes to go, Jack was unlucky not to grab a consolation goal, as he beat three opponents with a mazy run over by the corner and fired in a great shot, which the keeper did well to save.

There were many fine, individual performances from the whole team, and James D and Lewis had their best matches to date. The ‘Man of the Match’ was Dan Champness who made some great blocks in the Ross goal.

Ross’ next game is away to Ludlow on Sunday afternoon.

Ross has some ex-players showing an interest in returning, but more players are still required to keep the team going.

If you know anyone in (school) years’ 11 or 12 that are keen to play, please contact Dan on 07805 379403