Ross-on-Wye RFC officially launched their Junior Rugby Section on Sunday with a family fun day down at Wilton Road Sports ground. The Mayor, Councillor Jo Lane was on hand to assist and the weather was more than kind.

Kids of all ages turned out to test their skills at the lineout wall, tackling assault course and the kicking competition. The afternoon was completed with a family game of tag rugby, and there were some great rugby and tries from Jake Bourne, Max Reed, Luke Ward, Max Ashdown, Thomas Pollock, Joel Haley, George Nicholls, Henry Godwin and many more. The levels of commitment and skills from the kids was exceptional however, the referee did have step in and yellow card Thomas Pollock’s mum, Rowena Pollock for over enthusiasm. Joking aside, however, a great day was had by all and Ross Juniors Head Coach and Chairman Kevin Hughes and Nigel Gowling would like to thank all those who helped this day go so well,including all the helpers and the First team players who came down to lend a hand.

We will be in contact with all those who registered over the next few weeks to update you on training and playing for next season. For those who could not attend the fun day keep an eye out on www.rossrugby.co.uk for news on registering, training and playing for next season.

Once again a big thanks for all those who gave up their time yesterday and ensured it was a great day.

Paul Haley.

Last weekend the successful Ross Club took 2 of its high performance Masters (Veteran) crews to National water sports centre (Holme, Piere Point ) in Nottingham to attend the National Masters Regatta. They were joined by a Ross / Gloucester composite crew comprising Phil Palmer and Howard Copping of Ross and Brian Nelson and Phil Cheeseman who have a combined age of 300yrs making them the oldest crew in the event!

This is one of the premiere veterans events of the season and brings together the cream of British masters rowing in the UK, with 539 entries making up over 60 events. In Masters B (average age 36 - 43) Ross achieved Silver again in a repeat of last year's Veteran's National championships. Nottingham and Union Club proved the strongest crew once more, pushing themselves up to first place by 5 seconds. Ross held off a strong challenge from one of two Warwick crews to finish second. The other crews in the final were Tyrian Club from London and X-Press from Cambridge. The crew and coach, Malcolm Pobjoy, felt they fully rowed to their potential, so cannot be too disappointed not to claim a gold medal.

In masters D (average age 50-55) The Ross crew, also coached by Malcolm, led for half of their final to be eventually overhauled by strong local rivals from Hereford, achieving a Silver medal - the crew's first medal at the National Championships. They were, however, exceptionally pleased to beat their nemesis of last year, Crabtree Rowing Club, made up of ex Cambridge blues. The remaining crews of York, Royal Chester and Nottingham were soundly beaten. The Ross crew has come on leaps and bounds in the too few years they have been rowing together and are justifiably proud of themselves.

Last on the water were the Master I composite crew in a Quad to compete against a younger composite crew from Nottingham. By now the weather had changed from warm sunshine to cold and very wet. Sadly, in the atrocious conditions, they failed to obtain the third set of medals of the day. After their race the Masters D crews from Ross and Hereford warmly congratulated each other after the race, feeling proud to represent rowing on the Wye to such a high standard. Indeed Hereford had a second gold and a silver, while Monmouth won 4 golds, 3 silvers and the Victor Ludorum for the most successful club, so Ross are delighted to contribute to an excellent local medal haul.

Overall it was the most successful day for Ross Rowing Club at a National Masters event with two teams bringing back medals and much of credit goes to the crews' coach, Malcolm Pobjoy. Next stop is Henley Veterans when both Ross crews hope to go one place better.