Ross Junior Mixed Badger Hockey Team travelled away to Cheltenham on Saturday morning for their latest fixture against a talented Lansdown team and suffered their first defeat of the season.

Despite relatively clear skies; a biting north-westerly wind cut through any layers of protective clothing leaving the skin blue. However, lessons must have been learnt from previous experiences as many grateful hands were thankful for new warming protective gloves that must have appeared as gifts from Santa.

With many regular Ross stalwarts missing, the opportunity presented itself for Ella Burton to make her debut and she didn’t disappoint. Also, with just the bare eleven prerequisite numbers on the pitch, it meant that everyone, for once, was able to enjoy the full seventy minutes.

Freddie and Archie Oubridge-Brock, along with Matthew Brown, took over responsibility of commanding midfield with aplomb. Throughout the entire game they each showed moments of brilliance and magic, which underlines the hard work they have put in at training. Team coach Pete Jenkins can be justifiably proud. Upfront Carys Williams and Rozzie Brown caused the Lansdown defence all sorts of problems.

They were unfortunate on countless occasions, with shots going just wide or deflecting off a prostrate keeper. Their persistence eventually paid off after some startling interplay, resulting in a fine goal from Archie.

Unfortunately this was the only time Ross had their noses in front and despite further goals from both Archie and Freddie, Lansdown’s weight of numbers began to tell.

Elliot Smith, in goal, showed outstanding courage throughout, when Lansdown repeatedly threatened to roll Ross over. Along with the very able support of a defence made up of Amie Jenkins, Laura Benjamin and Beth Randall, Elliot managed to keep Ross in the game when they could so easily have been overwhelmed.

Captain for the day, Freddie Oubridge-Brock, decided that the award for South Hereford Motorcaravans player of the week should go to Elysia Williams-Tettey for her undying determination to chase down everything, and not give up until the final whistle.

This Saturday Ross are at home with an 11am start at Monmouth School Sports Club against Cirencester who pushed them all the way back in November, when they first met. Training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings at 7pm. Anybody interested in playing is welcome to attend, whatever your ability.