DESPITE cold conditions. ice and snow couldn't stop the Ross-on-Wye Ladies hockey team beating Cirencester.

With a wind chill factor of 1C, Ross ladies prepared themselves for a tough game on Saturday 31st January against Cirencester 2.

Ross started the match with great defence work by Kate Weller, Carolyn Carver and captain Liese Brady, not giving the goalkeeper Charlie Yemm much to do.

In the first half Ross got their first chance at goal. Laura Samuel struck the ball at the Cirencester keeper, but the ball hit the goalies foot on the line and the umpire had to award a penalty flick.

Louise Cross stepped up to the mark and lifted the ball high into the left hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.

The second goal was a team effort, starting with Rebecca Heyes hitting a slick pass to Angela Wesley who tapped the ball up in the air leaving enough time for Louise Cross to get her stick on it and slip it pass the keeper once again.

In the second half Cirencester came back fighting, but with strong sweeping by Holly Belcher the ball was quickly passed up again to Jess Element who worked hard in the centre to create short, sharp triangle passes to get the ball back out to the wingers.

The four wingers, Lucy Perkins, Kim Calland, Hollie Dawson and Angela Wesley all got a shot on goal. Kim had a near miss hitting the post and Lucy came back with a quick rebound shot, though the score stayed at 2-0.

Hollie had a few near misses as well, but she stood strong on the right wing. The player of the match was awarded to Jess Element for a performance full of hard work and thanks went to umpire James Adamson for his hard work and sparing his free time.

The Ross Ladies hockey team train at Monmouth School Sports Club astro on Tuesdays at 8pm.