Ross Badgers 2 Stroud 0

THIS weekend Ross Junior Mixed Hockey Team played Stroud at Monmouth Boys School Sports Club and recorded another impressive win to remain undefeated for the season.

Despite the ice cold biting wind, Ross extended a warm welcome to their visitors, even to the extent of giving them the upper hand in the early exchanges. Only midway through the first half did Ross start to gain some authority on the field, with no quarter given by either team in a closely fought contest. It was at around this time that last week’s player of the match Archie Oubridge-Brock was required to leave the pitch for a blood injury.

The half time talk by coach Pete Jenkins centred on trying to remain competitive in the tackle, alongside a willingness to gamble when in possession. As with many sports possession is key, by letting the ball do the work and trying hard not to give the ball away. Pete’s headache though was how to keep continuity on the pitch whilst allowing rolling substitutions with a large squad of willing players and fresh legs at his disposal.

As Pete had hoped, the second half proved decisive. The more Ross pressed forward, the more Stroud became defensively orientated. By trying to keep up with the frenetic pace, Stroud soon tired and made uncharacteristic errors. It was therefore unsurprising when Rory Calderwood’s driving attack from inside his own half found the back of the Stroud net. By the time of the second Ross goal, a drag-flicked shot also by Rory coming from a wonderfully executed short corner routine, the match as a contest was never in doubt.

Captain for the afternoon Laura Benjamin decided that the player of the match award should go to Freddie Talbot for his eager running up front.

Next week Ross are away in Bourton on the Water against Sherbourne, with a 12pm start. Before then, training continues at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Monday evenings commencing at 7pm. Anybody interested in playing is welcome to attend.