Crossword Genius

Took balls from players and scored (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

castrated

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'took balls' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to bodily activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'players and scored' is the wordplay.
'players' becomes 'cast' (group of actors).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'scored' becomes 'rated' (I've seen this in another clue).
'cast'+'rated'='CASTRATED'

'from' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for castrated that I've seen before include "Like bullocks" , "fixed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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