Ross managed to beat the frost last Saturday and at last were able to play a home league game against Whitehall from Bristol. However, the enforced absence due to the weather was all to apparent and after a dull, stop start game, Whitehall managed to crawl across the wining line and register a 10-0 victory.

It was the away side that dominated both possession and territory in the first half. However, a lack of fluency and some strong Ross tackling meant that Whitehall did not look like turning their domination into points and with half time looming it looked as if Ross would turn round on level terms. However, an interception on the Ross twenty two enabled the Whitehall centre to score under the posts. Whitehall converted and went into the break 7-0 ahead.

The second half continued as the first had ended, with both teams striving for fluency in their game that would create the space needed to add to the solitary try. However, the second half delivered one penalty for Whitehall and the game, devoid of any real chances, spluttered to a 10-0 defeat for Ross. Fortunately, results in their division went their way and they remain 4 points clear of the relegation battle.

Ross are at home again next Saturday to Bristol Saracens, desperate to find that elusive victory.

The TR Building Contractors man of the match was Ashley Nelmes for some strong running from the base of the scrum.

Next Saturdays game kicks off at 2.30pm, with the Wales-England game on at the Drop inn from 5pm. I’m sure you will all share in hoping for a Ross and Wales victory next Saturday.

Paul Haley.

A large contingent from Ross Rowing Club attended the Marlow Time Trail on Sunday at Dorney lake, which is the venue for the Rowing in London 2012 Olympics. Competing in a processional race, 12 crews and combinations were looking to gain feedback on the results of the winter training so far.

The Veteran crew of Jeremy Picton-Turbervil, Graham Watling, Paul Brodholt and Dave Sykes coxed by Lucy Jones, won their division being the fastest coxed veteran crew of the day. The new combination of Andrew Leeman, Mike Phillips, Paul Nichols and Dave Morris, coxed by Kerry Meek rowed very well, showing excellent promise.

From the Junior squad there were some excellent results in some very large divisions. Kelly and Rosie, WJ16 double scull came 2nd by just 2 seconds in a field of 9 crews. Abi Beddard and Rosie Brandram-Jones (WJ15 2x) also came 2nd in a field of 12 competitors and Johan Lai and Morgan Gray (J14 2x) came 2nd in a field of 13 competitors. These results were supported by strong paddles from Ellie Grindle, 4th (WJ15 1x) and Charlie Green in J15 x 1.

The J16 quad of Lucy Jones, Kerry meek, Abi Beddard and Rosie Brandram-Jones were 3rd in another strong division. In addition, the WJ13 quad of Christina Stephenson, Molly Phillips, Imogen Gray and Syke Jenkins, coxed by Rhodri Morris produced a very brave performance, coming 4th in again a very tough division with most of the crew rowing above their age group.

The consistency of these results are a testament to the squad approach being taken throughout the club. The spirit and support between crews and squads was excellent with great feedback on the quality of the Ross oarsmanship being received all along the bank. Club Captain, Ian Howell commented, 'We are seeing the results of the athletes' hard work shining through. This is a national class event and the Ross club is once again showing its ability to compete with the very best.'

Juniors Attend the Scottish Indoor Championships

Whilst the high performance squads were competing on Dorney lake, three plucky Junior Academy members embarked on an epic journey to compete in the Scottish indoor championships in Edinburgh. Megan Jephcote, Jess and Sam Boon, all products of the Junior Academy, all wanted to test their strength North of the border.

Megan, on the back of her earlier successes in the season won a silver medal in the J12 category, Jess was 6th in her J13 category and Sam was also 6th in the boys J16 category. The group clearly impressed the locals, as all three were invited to be included in relay teams later in the day.

Graham Jephcote commented, 'The organizers from Edinburgh made us feel incredibly welcome and Ross Rowing Club is now even more well known.'