It was with some trepidation that Ross Men's 2nd XI took the field in Monmouth for their league match against Gloucester, following a 10–0 thumping earlier in the season against the same opposition.

For most of the season so far Ross have been pretty abject, devoid of any sense of fluency, understanding and accuracy, looking for all the world as if they had just met up.

All the opposition are required to do is soak up any pressure mounted and then break away to score their goals.

But this wasn't the case on a fine crisp Saturday afternoon in mid-January as the sun crept lower casting its long shadows.

From the start Ross retained good possession and managed to take most of the play to the Gloucester half where, although one good early opportunity was missed, it didn't take long to eventually capitalise.

Greg Weston dispossessed an opposing player on half-way, drove down the flank and whipped in a great cross for Steve Hetenyi to neatly turn into the goal.

This seemed to spark some life in the Gloucester team who, prior to the match, were lying comfortably third in the league and victory might have taken them top. It didn't take long for the equaliser to come.

With time ticking towards the break, Ross once more stepped up and took control, thanks in large part to Kristien Franklin. This was followed by some dynamic interplay between Dan Collins and Gareth Stockton on the wings, setting up Steve Hetenyi for his second goal.

A sterling half time team talk from stand in captain Chris Chalk drove the Ross men onto then execute 35 minutes of sublime hockey. In central defence, Tony Faulkner was impervious, sweeping up everything before him and directing left back Piers Tremlet and right back Gareth Hughes to great effect.

Andy Ridgeway in goal was only called upon once more when Gloucester did eventually break through, his quick reaction coming off the line deflected a well struck shot away from goal, but he could do nothing when the ball rebounded off the post into the path of a grateful Gloucester player.

With scores levelled once again, the triumvirate midfield of James Adamson, Gregor Belcher and Sean Couch harried and hustled to great effect. Time and again they broke down Gloucester probes and switched play back on the offensive.

However it is upfront that most credit is due, with Don Collins in particular who managed to just keep running throughout with darting runs and holding up play. It was also pleasing to have the victorious third goal involve the entire Hentenyi family. Steve fired in his hat-trick after some fine weaving and inter-passing from son's Jake and Alex.

A strong team performance could have made it difficult to pick a Man of the Match but Steve Hentenyi was awarded the title with excellent play throughout and his hat-trick scoring performance winning the game for Ross.

Special thanks were extended to the umpires Andrew Cross and Edward Peck who give up their afternoons and without whom matches could not be played.