Ross travelled to Whitchurch last weekend looking to build on the momentum from last week’s win - and to test their waterproofs. The pre-match warm-up featured an unexpected drenching courtesy of the pitch’s enthusiastic water cannons, leaving players looking more like contestants in a game show than a hockey team.

Despite the soaking, Ross started brightly, keeping possession well and moving the ball around with real intent. Missing their usual drag-flick specialist could have been a problem, but Ross didn’t let that dampen their spirits. From an early short corner, the initial shot was blocked by Whitchurch’s number-one runner, only for the rebound to fall kindly to Cross, who lined up a great reverse flick/pass towards the Whitchurch goal…with the ball nearing the line a 'Ross midfielder' swooped in to ‘help’ and tucked it away themselves. Right place, right time, right level of opportunism.

Fifteen minutes later, with Ross pushing for another, got caught out by a good tackle and Whitchurch counterattacked. A solid first tackle slowed them down, but the ball was squirmed through to a forward waiting at the back post to nudge home an equaliser.

Special mention goes to Tom Stokes, who made the long trip to Whitchurch to spend most of the game watching from the bench. When finally unleashed (after trying to give Cross’s brief five-minute breather), Tom made an instant impact. Unfortunately, that impact was mostly with a Whitchurch player, just 35 seconds into his cameo. Tom sadly received his first ever card, a yellow and a 5 min sit on the sidelines. Commitment: 10/10. Timing: needs work.

The rest of the match was a proper end-to-end affair. Ross keeper Holland pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep the visitors in it, while the Whitchurch post did its bit to deny Ross a late winner.

All in all, a very enjoyable game, full of effort, drama, and the odd comedy moment. Ross march on, soaked but smiling.

Final Score: Whitchurch: 1 vs Ross: 1

Goals: Ross Midfielder
Assist: Cross

Honourable Mentions: Tom Stokes cameo appearance. Biddle open goal miss. Ross midfielder poaching a goal off Cross.