A lot had changed in the De Cymru & The Marches 2 Hockey League during the week before Ross’ last game. Cleevillians had a game overturned which meant that Ross were not yet guaranteed promotion and had to win against top placed Cheltenham B, to not only secure promotion but win the league.

It was a lovely, warm day in Monmouth and from the start of the game you could tell that the Ross players were all really up for this game. The game started at quite a fast pace with Ross dominating possession both in defence and midfield. The first goal came from a short corner which was expertly drag flicked by Walton to the right of the keeper who had no chance to save.

The game carried on at a fast pace and Cheltenham didn’t get a look in before the second goal came from another short corner; a blistering hit by Ben from the top, took a defection from a Cheltenham stick which the keeper didn’t see till the last second. The third goal came from some solid work from the Ross forwards with Evans popping up and scoring a tight angled reverse stick past the keeper, 3 -0.

The half time team talk was surprisingly positive and the Ross team knew that the next 35 mins would make or break the season. They knew that if Cheltenham manged to sneak the first goal of the half in, their heads would go up and a potential comeback was on. Raasch however had different plans. The Ross goalkeeper was in simple terms, on fire. Countless saves and clearances from the keeper kept Ross in for the whole game and it was a pleasure to watch. A worthy mention also has to go to Warner who played a blinder in defence.

Cheltenham were pushing hard to try get a goal which left them very vulnerable for counter attack, something that is one of Ross’s strong points. Some perfect aerials to the forwards and being backed up the right and left midfield meant that Ross again managed to get another short corner. Ross slightly messed this one up but somehow the ball manged to find its original target, Jennison – who calmly slotted in the ball from the left hand post. 4 -0.

Another counter attack for Ross down the right resulted in Ross’s 5th and final goal of the game with some great passing and positioning resulting in Ward deflecting an inch perfect pass past the keeper.

The end result was a 5 – 0 win for Ross and with that win, they are crowned Champions of De Cymru & The Marches 2 Hockey League on goal difference.

The club is very grateful to everyone who came this vital game to cheer the team on.