Ross felt the full brunt of an abrasive and committed Cirencester side on Saturday, losing 37 points to nil. A number of late withdrawals through illness did not help matters and in the end Ross were well beaten by a strong Cirencester outfit.

With a number of players playing out of position and a few new, younger players playing their league debuts it was always going to be difficult for Ross, however for the first quarter they more than held their own, working hard in both attack and defence. A poor second quarter, however saw the match taken away from them as Cirencester scored 4 quick tries, all of which came as a result of poor tackling, seeing Cirencester race to a 25-0 lead at half time.

It did look as if this young Ross team would fold under the pressure, however, to a man they stood firm throughout the second half. Running all their possession and making their tackles the game was turned on it’s head, but for all the effort and skill in the second half, Ross were too far behind on the score board. Cirencester were organized in defence and Ross, although they could not cross the line, they could not be criticized for lack of effort. In the end they were well beaten but their second half performance showed what this young Ross team can achieve.

The Walford Timber man of the match was Tim Hanks, who as captain, led from the front.

Next Saturday, 12th December, Ross are at home to Frampton Cotterell. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Ross Rowing Club took the Junior Academy development squad to the Welsh indoor championships in Cardiff on Saturday and it turned out to be another record breaking day for the local club, winning 5 Gold medals, 1 Silver and 6 Bronze.

Leading the charge yet again for Gold was Megan Jephcote, who broke through the 500 Metre barrier for her 2 minute row. Megan now has her sights on the British record of 550 meters.

In the WJ13 category, the club took a clean sweep across the medals as Catrin Morris won gold, Jess Crossman, Silver, and Rosie Ingram, bronze. In the boys J13 event, Johan Lai continued his excellent form, as did Nick Burden who both won Gold. The final gold medal was won by the youngest member of the competing squad, Scarlett Brodholt, winning in the WJ10 category. Kerry Meek, in a very competitive J15 category won a bronze medal with personal best as did Rob Hewlet J16 and Jess Boon WJ12.

Indoor rowing coach, Graham Watling was delighted with the performances and commented, 'It was great see so many of the new academy members competing in this event and doing so well. The medal haul is terrific with most of the squad achieving personal bests.'

The club's next events, river conditions permitting, are Monmouth Head this coming Sunday, a Christmas Club Time Trail on 20th and the annual New Year's Day Walk / Run on 1st January 2010.