Gloucester City 2 Ross Badgers 6

EARLY on Saturday morning (5th December), Ross Junior Mixed Badger Hockey Team travelled to Gloucester for their latest fixture and claimed another victory to continue undefeated for the season.

Whilst the rain at least held off for this particular match, it was still necessary to overcome the fierce winds of storm ‘Desmond’ almost as much as the opposition.

From the start Gloucester began with energy, pinching the ball with talent and steaming into tackles. Before the visitors found their feet it looked like Gloucester would take the lead, producing wonderful hockey, red shirts slicing through the thin black line. Had the ball rebounded kindly from the outstretched pads of Martin Watts in goal, it might have been a different match. Instead, as Ross confidence grew they slowly took control and Gloucester errors alongside indiscipline finished them as an effective unit.

It was now the turn of Ross to seize the initiative. Matthew Brown and Luke Watts anchored the midfield to allow Archie and Freddie Oubridge-Brock to roam freely, linking up with forwards Joseph Henry and Ben Topping. Out wide, Beth Randall and Elysia Williams-Tettey stretched the Gloucester defence, but it was Carys Williams in front of goal that impressed most with her finishing.

Meanwhile, the defensive line of Laura Benjamin, Laura Samuels, Amelia Adamson and Amie Jenkins impressed, withstanding the initial onslaught and keeping their cool whilst others lost theirs.

Captain for the day Ben Topping decided that the award for player of the week should go to Carys Williams for her dazzling contribution in front of goal.

Next week Ross are at home against Wooton-under-Edge with an 11am start at Monmouth Boys School Sports Club. Training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings, commencing at 7pm. Anybody interested in playing is welcome to attend.