The newly formed Ross-on-Wye Juniors Ladies side played their first competitive match on Friday, January 22nd and despite losing the new team made an impressive start.

The team had trained only five times to date, but they were keen to play a match, and to wear their new kit which had been generously sponsored by Berry Game Birds, a local company.

Trying to find opposition in women’s football is always a challenge. There are just two other sides in the whole of Herefordshire, who are both far more experienced than Ross’ new team. Fortunately Dave Johnson’s Under 16s Ross Juniors girls team, who play in the Gloucestershire Girls League, stepped forward.

The game had attracted quite a bit of interest locally, and over 60 spectators turned up at John Kyrle High School to watch it.

The Under 16s proved strong opponents and quickly took an early lead.

The Under 16s were well organised and played some great football at times.

Minnie Hodges, when called on, in goal made some great saves and some of the more experienced Ross players like Danie Ward, Rosie Davenport and Nicola Wall caused the under 16 defence problems all game.

The Ross Ladies side though were thrilled with the result for their first match and are keen for a rematch.

Half the current team have played plenty of women’s and girls’ football previously, for many of the others it was their first ever competitive game of football. A couple of players have been to have as many team socials as training sessions, which clearly illustrates the teams ethos is about having fun, getting fit and socialising.

Following the game the club received messages of congratulations form Loren Dyke of Bristol Academy Ladies, Herefordshire Football Association and from Phil Reynolds who had previously coached some of the players at under 16 level.

There are so few ladies football teams about in the County so it can not be underestimated how well the club with the support of the HFA and the Ross Gazette’s media coverage has done in forming a new team.

The Ladies team train fortnightly at JKHS on a Friday 6pm until 7.30pm, the next training session will be Friday, February 5th.

Then the next game is a home fixture on Friday, February 12th at JKHS vs Welland Ladies FC from the Gloucestershire women’s league.

Dan Morris and Jim Loftus could not decide on an individual Berry Game Birds player of the match, and felt it was only appropriate to award it to the whole team.

All new players are welcome just turn up to training, no previous experience needed.