Ross Men's 1st XI continued their exciting league form away to Hereford 'B' on Saturday, in the N4 Financial Solutions Gloucester and Hereford League Division Two. It was not quite the goal-fest this fixture has produced in previous seasons, more of a bruising encounter for some on the pitch. However Ross can be satisfied with the final result, which cements their place at the top of the league. Once again Ross played an adventurous game, with Richard Harbottle, Phil Evans, Andy Cross and James Brown in advanced positions. The Ross midfield of Tom Walton (captain), Sam Warner, Adrian Williams, Kristian Franklin and Brian Clare, rarely strayed into the Ross half and the pressure started to tell. However, the first goal did take time in coming and only after Adrian Williams created space for himself with a number of delightfully intricate passing moves with the Hereford keeper. This seemed to give Hereford extra impetus and they pushed forward leaving space for the Ross forwards to exploit. Two quick goals then followed from Tom Walton and Sam Warner, before the half- time whistle blew leaving Ross comfortable at 3 – 0. The second half became slightly more ragged with repeated stops for injuries. The defensive line of Edward Peck, Tim Jones, James Adamson and Greg Weston ensured that any attempt by Hereford to break out of their half was quickly repelled. Unlike the previous week, they easily dealt with the now rare breaks by Hereford. Only once did their guard slip when James Adamson casually stepped over the ball heading towards Hereford's centre forward. Fortunately his snapped shot went wide. Adamson was heard to mutter, "The harder I practice, the luckier I get", over encouraging remarks from Andy Ridgway in goal one. Moments later Ross scored their fourth and final goal when Tom Walton smashed home a short penalty corner. Brian Clare was voted South Hereford Motorcaravans Man of the Match for covering every synthetic blade of the pitch.
