Ross Juniors U16s contested the HFA Youth Cup Final at a floodlit Westfields and, against a Fownhope side boasting mostly county players, produced an outstanding performance of commitment and maturity with only the result going against them. It was rough justice on a night of high performance but that's football.

The team was founded over ten years ago and has developed over the years with the addition of some excellent players into a wonderful side playing with great skill and determination. Highlights have been many but this season has been exceptional with early season dominance in cup and league – a just reward for all the effort and endeavour. It has been a privilege to witness the teams' journey over the years and seeing them develop into one of the county's best youth teams is an appropriate recognition of their achievements. The final itself was a very competitive affair with both sides competing fiercely in midfield. Ross were impenetrable at the back with Alex, Sam, Jake(C), Joel and Ollie outstanding. Liam in the midfield holding role was awesome proving to be the creative link. Chris and James(D) were running the midfield and David and Jake(W) providing a real threat out wide. James(R) was causing problems as the lone striker and at set pieces Ross were a handful with Chris, Joel and James(R) all going close. The best chance of the half fell to Jake(W) who ran onto a through ball and struck the ball sweetly only to be denied by the fingertips of the goalkeeper. Fownhope produced a threat from dead ball situations but Kieran(B) was equal to the challenge.

The second half followed the pattern of the first and Ross held the initiative with David and Jake(W) a useful outlet. Fownhope continued with the long ball into the channels and on the rare occasion they got an effort on goal the excellent Ollie cleared the ball off the line. With the game looking destined for extra time, and against the run of play, Fownhope pounced on a loose ball and got a fortunate goal. Ross pressed for the equalizer and with seconds remaining Fownhope got a second on the break.

The whole squad deserves the highest praise for a great performance and one to be extremely proud of.