STORM force winds and waterlogged pitches put paid to many fixtures over the weekend, though Ross Juniors’ men’s and new women’s team both saw game time, with mixed fortunes.

Juniors’ senior men went down 3-1 in gusty conditions at third-placed Worcester United, in a blow to their Hereford League Division One title hopes.

Starting the day in second seven points behind leaders and local rivals Fownhope with four games in hand, Ross found themselves trailing early on and couldn’t peg United back, who ended the day level on points with the visitors having played the same number of games.

Fownhope, looking to land the title in their 50th anniversary year, edged out to an eight-point lead at the top with a 3-3 draw at Hereford Pegasus Colts, Mackenzie Rees, Harvey Vaughan and Phil Pearcey hitting the target.

Juniors 2nds trip to Credenhill in Division 2 was postponed on Saturday, alongside Fownhope 2nds home clash with Tenbury United Colts, while the waterlogged Sports Ground put paid to Ross Colts’ home clash with Staunton & Corse A in the North Gloucestershire League.

But Juniors’ new senior women’s team battled to a hard-earned 1-1 draw at unbeaten Wellington in only their second game in “appalling conditions” on Sunday.

The club posted a picture of the muddy team after the match, saying: “Our brand new women’s team played away at Wellington in tough conditions this afternoon.

“In only their second match in senior football, our young team came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 against a team who, up until today, had won every league match this season.

“Millie Malsom scored the Ross equaliser. Juniors worked hard as conditions deteriorated in the second half to find a winner but couldn’t take their chances.

“Despite the weather, Ross played some good football and battled hard against a really strong opposition.”

Newent Town’s home clash with Milton United was off thanks to a soaking pitch, but the Hellenic League Division One outfit were hopeful of playing Hereford Pegasus away last night (Tuesday, February 22).

Elsewhere, Ruardean Hill Rangers lost out 1-0 at home to Rockleaze in the Gloucestershire County League, while Staunton & Corse went down 4-0 at Stonehouse Town 2nds in midweek in a Gloucestershire Northern Division 2 clash.

Fixtures this weekend (Saturday, February 26 unless indicated) include - Ross Juniors v Holme Lacey 2nds, Ross Colts v Credenhill (Ross Cup), Hay St Mary Ladies v Ross Juniors Women (Sunday), Burghill Rangers v Fownhope 2nds (Ross Cup), Abingdon United v Newent Town, Newent Town 2nds v Longlevens Dev, Ruardean Hill Rangers v Broadwell Amateurs (Les James League Cup), Lydbrook Athletic v Frampton United 2nds, Staunton & Corse v Viney St Swithins, English Bicknor 2nds v Howle Hill, Ellwood v Longhope, Lydbrook Athletic 2nds v Yorkley, Mitcheldean v Tidenham, Newnham United v Ruardean Hill Rangers A, Broadwell Amateurs B v Mitcheldean 2nds, Sling v Lydbrook Athletic A.

Newent Town are also away to Cirencester Town Development next Tuesday night (March 1).