ROSS-on-Wye Hockey Club's Euan Aitken believes his side can hold their own in De Cymru & The Marches 1 this season.

With Hereford and Leominster dropping down from Conference North, there will be three Herefordshire sides in the division this campaign.

We all know Ross isn’t going to win the league and I would say that we are all playing to stay up if we can, but mid table would be fantastic," said Aitken.

"With Hereford and Leominster dropping down it definitely adds that touch of spice to the games.

"We have them back-to-back in November so are hoping to come away with six points.

"Its always a physical game against them but we are confident that we have found a good balance and can hold our own.

"I think we will cause a few upsets as Ross is never an easy place to play.

"We went the whole of last season unbeaten at home and will try to keep this going."

Three players aged between 14 and 16 have stepped up from the seconds this season.

"They are quite rightly a little nervous due to the physical aspect of the game but have the skills to really do well and have a point to prove," added Aitken.

Ross start with a home match against Aberystwyth University this Saturday, while Hereford entertain Cheltenham Thirds.

Leominster go to Bristol & West.