Virtually everybody from Ross Rowing Club decamped to the banks of the Avon to attend Evesham regatta on Sunday. The Club had an unprecedented 34 different crews entered in the highly competitive regional event.

It was the men's senior section who led the way with the Novice Eight of Jeremy Picton Turberville, Dave Sykes, Paul Brodholt, Andrew Leeman, Tim Crossman, Lenny Colling, Dave Morris and Ed Surman with Coxes Jess Crossman and Lucy Jones.

Having beaten the Evesham crew in the semi-final they were up against a large crew from Stourport. After a clean start Stourport veered into the Ross boat and there was a huge clash of blades. With a war cry of 'row through them' from the young Ed Surman, the Ross boat took command of the race and won by a handsome margin of 1½ lengths over the 500 meter course.

Mens development coach Ian Howell said, 'I am truly delighted for the novice / vet squad. They have been working very hard developing technique and race craft and today it all paid off. All these eight oarsman should be very proud of this achievement and we will look to build upon this success'.

This win was followed by the Junior Academy taking charge. Johan Lai and George Probert won in J12 2x, Johan also won J12 singles as did Jess Crossman in her Wj12 event. Roise Brandram Jones with Abi Beddard won in Wj14 double sculls and Amy Surman and Ellie Grindle in the Wj13 double sculls.

The day was rounded off with Phil Davies and Steve Randell winning quarter-finals, semis and the final of the open coxless pairs.

At the prize giving ceremony, a traditional event at Evesham, Ross were surprised and delighted to discover they were the most successful visiting club and had retained the victor ludorum trophy won the previous year. This is even more impressive when several of the high performance crews were attending Wallingford Regatta on Dorney Lake. Both the crews attending gained valuable race experience towards their national level aspirations later in the season.

The Club's Chairman said, 'This was clearly a very successful day for the club and not only on the water. The Club was also represented by Neil Lucas , Sheron Dean Lucas, Karen Blackwood and Jackie Baynham who were all undertaking their first sessions as officiating umpires. As a Club we are very proud of how we support the sport that gives us so much pleasure. All these new umpires distinguished themselves with great distinction in how they managed their new responsibilities.'

Ian Howell captain added, 'As a club this day could not have gone much better. All the competing crews distinguished themselves with great credit and the support crew of parents and helpers were simply wonderful. Thanks also to Tim Crossman and Paul Drinkwater for driving the two trailers!'

Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club travelled to the north of Birmingham on Saturday to play Yardley and District in the semi finals of the North Midlands Vase and came away with a 13-9 victory.

In front a very large and biased crowd, Ross started well, with the forwards making inroads into the Yardley half. This resulted in the home team giving away a penalty which was converted by Chay Brine. Yardley stepped up their game and tested the Ross defence on numerous occasions by sending their centre into the Ross midfield, where he was met by some staunch tackling by Luke Gray and Baz Parker.

Chris Pryce was making his first full start at hooker and was finding his jumpers well at the lineout. From a catch by Adam Clements, the Ross forwards drove for the line and Tara Barnett picked up and drove over for the only try of the game, which Chay converted. Yardley then scored a penalty to bring themselves back into the game before half time.

Unlike in recent weeks the Ross discipline was much improved and despite the home team kicking two further penalties, Chay Brine kicked another one for Ross. The last twenty minutes saw the home team start to run out of steam. Ali Hunter-Blair was starting to find space and should have scored twice before the end of the match but last ditch tackling prevented him from adding to his outstanding try tally for the season.

Ross now play Evesham on Sunday, 10th May at Stourbridge RFC. Kick off is at 1pm. All supporters are welcome and the coach will leave at 10:30am.

The first Annual General Meeting of the Ross Sports & Leisure Federation will be held at the Larruperz Centre this Friday, 8th May at 7.30 p.m. The AGM will also include a short presentation on the feasibility study currently being undertaken for Ross Sports Centre.

Everyone is very welcome to attend. For further information, please contact 01989 768708.