The start of a new season is like freshly fallen snow; a crisp white carpet upon which the ambitions and aspirations for the coming months can be projected.

At this point all teams are equal, in points and in potential. Ross Men's second team strode onto a sun-dappled Monmouth Boys School Astroturf last Saturday energised by friendships re-made and loyalties re-affirmed. In particular they were inspired by the commitment of Charlie Exton's dash to the pitch from Washington DC. Also back in the fold was Andy Ridgway, returning to the second team for the wit and wisdom that the golden youth of the first team had been unable to provide. He was looking to move from goal keeper back to goal scorer.

The first metaphorical muddy footprint was the indisposition of the new 'A' team goalie which meant that Ridgway had to stay in goal for at least one more game, somewhat blunting the prospects of the feast of strikes anticipated from the renewed Harbottle-Ridgway combination. The second step which besmirched the spectacle was the withdrawal of Andy Cross due to injury.

However, Ross started strongly with three old hands - Edward Peck, Sean Couch and Tony Faulkner - and one relatively new recruit - Piers Tremlett - proving a resolute, not to say enterprising, defence.

Only a rookie error by Peck - going to the player with the ball when left alone in his own 'D' with three Whitchurch F/G attackers - enabled the opposition to take the lead; Ridgway was his characteristically calm and considered self in appraising his colleague of his misjudgement.

The central midfield duo of Brian Clare and James Adamson toiled tirelessly, but the real stars of the show going forward were Johnny Cross and Conor Medici, both making their first team debuts with impressive displays which merited them sharing the South Herefordshire Caravans Man of the Match Award. Phil Evans also made a cameo appearance, to smack home a consolation goal as Ross went down to defeat 2-1.