With the weather predicted to be dry, the Ross Ladies A Team, and their intrepid supporter Sandy, headed up to play Bromsgrove B to play their first match of the season in The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Ladies Winter League Division 2.

Val Davies and Sarah Drake took on the first couple starting well, winning the first set 6:4. However, with the balls heavy from the intermittent rain showers and the low winter sun popping in and out for the first rubbers, conditions were tricky. A second set resulted in the same score only this time it was to the home pair. With it all even, the third set was over far too quickly as Val and Sarah seemed unable to regain any consistency, losing it 1:6.

Meanwhile, Gaynor Raine and Ginny Higgins got off to an excellent start, winning their first set 6:1 against the second pair. The second set was a hard fought battle which unfortunately they lost in the tie break 6:7, which meant they too went onto a 3rd set. They fought long, hard rallies but were unable to convert this to a win and lost the third 3:6. After a long first match Gaynor and Ginny, now playing under floodlights, found it harder to find their rhythm against the Bromsgrove B first pair, and lost 3:6, 3:6. Val and Sarah improved their consistency against the second pair, intercepting more at net and playing a more positive attacking game which enabled them to take the rubber 6:3, 6:1. After a warming cuppa, especially for the frozen Ross supporters, and some delicious carrot cake, the Ross team headed back home eager to improve in their December match at home.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.