If you're involved with local sport, playing, organising, or watching, January has not been an auspicious start to the year.

The majority of local sports teams have seen little action so far this year, because of the weather. The teams were welcomed back from their festive break with frozen pitches, that eventually turned to snow and now, as the River Wye takes in all of the melting water and rain, the water levels have risen again to adversely affect the pitches at Ross Sports Centre and at Greytree.

The forecast for the rest of this week is not making it look likely that much sport will be played again this weekend.

Ross Juniors' first team haven't played since their 5 - 3 home victory, in the Herefordshire Football League Division One, against Shobdon on January 12th. They're scheduled to play bottom of the league Holme Lacy, at home, on Saturday.

Ross Juniors Reserves' last match was also on January 12th. They suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat away at Orleton Colts Reserves and will be looking to halt an alarming run of form, on Saturday, at Ross Sports Centre, against bottom of the table Tenbury Colts.Howle Hill are also scheduled to be at home at the Sports Centre on Saturday when they play against Lydbrook Athletic A in the North Gloucestershire Division 2. They will be looking to hit the same form that saw them win 4-1 away at Woolaston Reserves on January 12th.On Sunday, Ross Juniors are in HFA Sunday Cup action away at Bell, in Leominster.

Away from football, Ross Rugby Club 1sts are scheduled to play at home against Cainscross, while the 2nds are scheduled to play at home against Woodrush 2nds.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.