Ross Hockey Club Men's 1st XI continued their exciting league form at home to Winchcombe on Saturday, in the N4 Financial Solutions Gloucester and Hereford League Division Two. Ross had temporarily relinquished the top spot to Winchcombe last weekend when they did not have a league match, so both teams had much to play for. For much of the opening quarter honours were even as Captain Tom Walton decided to employ a conservative game plan. Richard Harbottle, Andy Cross and James Brown worked in advanced positions but saw little of the ball. The real action was taking place in midfield where Tom Walton, Sam Warner, Adrian Williams, Phil Evans and Kristian Franklin tussled for dominance. On 15 minutes the breakthrough came in a most unusual route. Winchcombe had a penalty corner masterly cleared when the ball came under the control of Edward Peck. He pushed the ball wide to the advancing James Adamson, who in turn made an inch perfect pass to James Brown. With only one defender to beat, James was his usual lethal self, claiming his 14th goal of the campaign. Within minutes he had taken his tally to 15. The half time whistle then blew with Ross looking comfortable. In the second half Ross continued in the same vain. Richard Harbottle escaped his marker who had clearly wanted to take his shirt home with him, then beat the on rushing keeper. However this was as good as it got for Ross. Winchcombe finally woke up and threw everything at Ross. For the first time the defensive line up of Brian Clare, Richard Jennison, Greg Weston and Tim Jones started to wobble. Winchcombe scored two quick goals, before Tom Walton pulled one back from a short corner. Still Winchcombe pushed on and despite some impressive last ditch saves by Andy Ridgway in goal, it wasn't long before the score was 4 – 3. With a final throw of the dice, Ross reorganised and with John Constance (club president) giving encouragement from the sidelines tried to stem the loss of possession. Sam Warner and Tom Walton stepped forward and they both finished off great runs with cracking goals. In fact, Tom's flick into the top right hand corner from an acute angle, could make goal of the season. In the meantime he will just have to settle with being voted South Hereford Motorcaravans Man of the Match. Gola scorers: Tom Walton 2, James Brown 2, Sam Warner 1, and Richard Hardbottle 1.
