Ross had a break from league action last Saturday and took the opportunity to blood some new players away to Hereford Greyhounds and after battling against the conditions Ross ran out comfortable 12-0 winners.

The conditions played a major part in the contest as it rained from kick off to final whistle and the wind gusted constantly. As a consequence neither team could string a number of phases together as the ball quickly resembled a bar of soap. However, Ross remained in control of the contest, dominating territory and proving too strong in the tackle and rucks.

Ross nearly went ahead just fifteen minutes into the game. After some strong ball carrying by TC Leech and Ashley Nelms got Ross beyond the gain line, some slick hands by the backs put Winger Josh Morgan away. He beat his Winger but in the process of scoring, lost control of the ball and Ross were denied the opening score. Ross continued to dominate and after 30 minutes they finally went through enough phases without an error to score. Tim Hanks broke from another strong scrum and popped to scrum half, Jack Taylor who put centre Bas Parker clear. Bas was tackled 10 yards out, but quick ball from the ruck put TC Leech clear through the defence under the posts. Chay Brine converted and Ross were 7-0 ahead. On the half time whistle, Ross were again denied when it seemed Tim Hanks had grounded the ball against the base of the post. However, the ref was unsighted and at half time Ross were 7-0 ahead.

Ross maintained their dominance in the second half, but again the conditions meant they struggled to go through the phases. Tim Hanks, however did get his score. After some controlled driving play from the base of the ruck by Matt Redman and Dave Mince took Ross within a few yards, Tim Hanks showed enough strength to barge his way over to score. The conversion was missed and Ross were 12-0. With the conditions deteriorating the ref blew the whistle early, giving Ross a comfortable 12-0 victory.

The Walford timber man of the match was debutante Jack Taylor. Next Saturday, 28th November Ross are back in league action at home against Bristol Saracens. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

For the fourth year running the Junior Academy picked up medals at this prestigious national event. Megan Jephcote continued her excellent form in the regional events and won an amazing bronze medal in a field of over 50 athletes in women's J12 event . Megan then teamed up with Christina Stephenson, Pippa England and Jess Boon to win Bronze in the women's J12 Team event.

The Junior Academy was well represented with 27 athletes competing in a wide age group of events from J18 to J12. The standards produced by the team were excellent. Notable amongst these were top 10 finishes for Amy Surman (Wj14) who was 5th out of 122 entries; Nick Burden (j12) who was 6th out of 31 entries and Will England (j14) who was 7th out of 87 entries. The day was capped by Amy Surman and Ellie Grindle combining with Maidenhead and Newbury rowers to win Gold in the women's j14 team event.

Ergo coach Graham Watling commented, 'It was another fantastic day for the Junior Academy. They have excelled themselves again. I am delighted with all the performances from the team.'

John Lewis wished to express his thanks to Graham, Geena and Wendy Burden for their brilliant organization on the day of the event.

Jess Boon and Megan Jephcote from the Ross Rowing Club Junior Academy teamed up to complete a 20km ergo on Sunday.

Having planned to complete the row at the club and finding it cut off on Sunday morning due to flood water, the intrepid duo returned home to complete the task on their own Ergo, which actually broke down during the event! Dressed in the brightest fancy dress they could find, Megan and Jess spent 3 hours working as a relay to complete the mammoth distance. They have successfully raised over £200 for the popular fund raising event.