ROSS, who have been more accustomed to struggles at the other end of the table in recent seasons, sit proudly at the top of the West Clubs' Women's League Severn Division 2 after extending their winning run to three matches with a 4-3 success against previously-unbeaten Cirencester.

The South Herefordshire side got away to a fine start with an excellent solo strike by Kate Davies after just 10 minutes but the visitors struck back to level before the interval.

Lorraine Stephens restored the Ross lead from a short corner early in the second half but Cirencester hit back to level again and then took advantage of a defensive mix-up to go in front for the first time.

Emma Lewis struck to level the scores again but Cirencester continued to threaten and were awarded a penalty flick.

Ross goalkeeper Chris Harris pulled off a fine save, however, and, with time running out, Rebecca Law fired home the winning goal.

Cirencester went all out to try to get an equaliser in the dying minutes but good defensive work by Hannah Richards ensured that Ross held on to the points.

It was a disappointing weekend for Hereford whose first-team were crushed 6-0 by leaders Newent while the second-string went down 3-2 at Bretforton 2nd after taking an early lead against the run of play.

A pass by Dwyn Jones released Emily Tompkins who drove through the home defence before sliding a shot past the Bretforton goalkeeper.

The home side continued to dominate and drew level from a penalty corner before scoring twice more before the interval to take control.

Hereford started the second period in a much better vein and the midfield of Jones, Cath Goodwin and Clare Milton combined well with forwards Tompkins, Amy Wilkins and Lisa Fernyhough.

The city side forced a string of penalty corners and from one of these a stop and strike routine involving Goodwin and Jones allowed Jones to reduce arrears.

Bretforton, however, managed to hold on to their lead to send Hereford home pointless.

Leominster bounced back from their defeat the previous week with a comfortable 7-2 success against visiting Dursley.

The home side drew confidence from Jess Rutty's early goal and went on to establish a 4-0 interval lead. Some skilful play by Kate Holder earned a penalty corner which was converted by Karen Hackley who went on to score twice more in the lead-up to the interval.

Dursley pulled a goal back at the start of the second period but good defensive work by goalkeeper Julie Fullerton and sweeper Anne Yarnold ensured that the North Herefordshire club retained the advantage.

Skipper Carolyne Hughes linked well with Clare Northwood to fire home her side's fifth goal before going on to complete a hat-trick of her own and, although Dursley scored a late consolation goal, Leominster ended as clear winners.

Colwall registered their first win of the season in the North Division when they beat City of Bath 1-0 at Kingswood School.

Coral Handley hit a post in the early stages and debutants Charlie Beaman and Maria Fowler had shots saved before Jackie Styles jabbed home a Handley cross to open the scoring.

Bath attacked with more purpose after the break but solid defensive play from Lucy Halligan, Laura Entwistle, Melinda Bennett and Mandy Gowland and a fine double save from goalkeeper Carole Ward preserved the Colwall lead.